Work has started on a major development on the site of one of the capital’s top grot spots.
AXA was granted planning approval for a six-storey residential and retail development at Villiers Square in April.
The company had planning permission in place since 2004 for a scheme including 60 flats, ground floor shops and underground parking at the Douglas site.
In February, two months before the approval was due to expire, AXA applied (13/00163/B) for approval for amendments to the scheme which reflected ‘recent market changes’.
There will be a mixture of one to four-bedroom flats and maisonettes.
A two-storey retail space, glazed on three sides, will be located at the base of the building. Above the retail space there will be three flats, each with an open terrace.
Planners approved the bid with conditions. No unit may be occupied until the 60 parking spaces and access are available for use. The spaces must be maintained so every flat has at least one.
In the planning statement it acknowledged the landscape had not been maintained. It was proposed maintenance is carried out, additional trees and shrubs are planted, new paving and the replacement of failed/damaged lighting.
