UPDATE: The former Nude Dunes restaurant, a site embroiled in a lengthy planning dispute, has officially transitioned to a commercial space, now designated as a ‘financial services shop.’ This urgent move, confirmed by owner Nadia Miller, follows the successful application for a change of use, signaling a new chapter for the beachfront property overlooking St Ouen’s Bay.
The approval allows for a variety of potential businesses, including shops, beauty salons, and offices, to occupy the site. Notably, this change bypasses the formal planning process, utilizing Jersey’s ‘General Development’ legislation, which permits certain developments without additional consent. This legislative approach has been a game-changer for property owners looking to repurpose struggling venues quickly.
The previous high-end restaurant closed just five months after opening in November 2023, leaving the property vacant and prompting Miller to seek alternative uses. Despite attempts to sell the property for a reported £1.5 million and gain consent for tourist accommodation, these efforts were unsuccessful. Now, with the new Class A designation, the building can host a wider range of retail and client-facing activities, according to Miller.
In her statement issued this week, Miller emphasized the importance of this change:
“This represents a clear and compliant shift away from all previously proposed hospitality or visitor-accommodation uses… and establishes a stable planning framework for the site’s future.”
However, the new regulations explicitly prohibit hot food establishments, cafes, and other hospitality-related services.
Le Rossignol Estates has begun marketing the property for commercial let, with rental values available upon inquiry. Potential tenants range from pharmacies to sandwich bars and even betting shops, reflecting a diverse interest in the site’s future.
Miller is also facing challenges on the site, including a retrospective planning application for a ‘temporary storage pod’ intended to deter vandalism. Meanwhile, she awaits the outcome of appeals against enforcement notices demanding the removal of the storage pod and a nearby fence.
The history of the Nude Dunes property stretches back to its purchase in January 2023 for £1.5 million, financed through a £2.1 million loan from Miller. The previous operators, Nude Food, ceased trading two years ago, and despite initial plans to lease back the property for a minimum of ten years, no sale materialized.
As Miller navigates these complexities, the community watches closely. The transition of this once-popular restaurant into a financial services hub highlights ongoing shifts in Jersey’s economic landscape, particularly in the face of rising living costs and changing consumer behaviors.
The situation remains fluid, with potential tenants now eyeing the site and the local community eager to see what businesses will emerge in this prime location. As developments unfold, keep an eye on further updates regarding the future of the Nude Dunes property.
