28 November 2007
At his meeting on 27 November 2007 , The Minister for Planning and Environment agreed his reply to the Environment Scrutiny Panel’s report on the Design of Homes (S.R. 15/2007).
In his reply, the Minister warmly welcomes the findings of the Scrutiny Panel and he has asked Deputy Sean Power to take responsibility for integrating the Panel’s findings, where appropriate, into the planning process and the work of the Planning Department. The Minster’s reply also sets out a detailed response to each of the Panel’s twenty-one recommendations.
He supports the general themes of ‘community’ and ‘design’ which the Panel regards as critical to the success of homebuilding.
He has also committed to follow-up action in response to many of the Panel’s recommendations, to ensure they are properly and appropriately addressed in relation to:
· the current Island Plan Review process; and,
· the emerging Supplementary Planning Guidance on ‘The Design of New Homes’.
Main Point
The Minister is particularly keen to promote improvements in the quality and design of new housing in the Island through drawing attention to the fundamental principles of good design. He considers that the Scrutiny Panel’s report will be helpful in informing this process and the future planning policies and guidelines that will underpin it.
Why is it Important?
If new housing developments are well-planned, well-designed and environmentally friendly, they will improve the quality of life of those who live there. In so doing, they will help to achieve the Strategic Plan aim of ensuring a good standard of affordable accommodation for all.
Quote from Senator Cohen
“I am determined to promote successful well-designed residential environments of the highest quality where people will enjoy living and so I warmly welcome the Environment Scrutiny Panel’s excellent report, which, I believe, makes a valuable contribution in this regard”.
For further information please contact:
Senator F.E. Cohen, Minister for Planning and Environment
07797 751004
gov.je