Plans for new social housing

Jersey’s Housing Minister, Deputy Andrew Green, has given approval for the States to enter into negotiations to buy six new homes for social housing. The two-bedroomed bungalows will be built as part of a small development in Rue de Haut, St Lawrence, and will be provided to families registered with the Affordable Housing Gateway.

 

The Housing Department has negotiated an in-principle agreement with the developer and the scheme is now subject to planning approval. The cost of buying the homes will be met entirely through rental income.

 

Detailed discussions between the developer, Housing’s senior management team and Jersey Property Holdings have now begun, to ensure the homes meet the exact requirements of the Housing Department.

 

 

The Housing Department’s Director of Strategy, Carl Mavity, said "We are pleased that the developer has offered to construct these homes for addition to the social housing stock. By getting involved at the outset we can ensure that these new homes will be designed to the highest standard and built with efficient long term maintenance in mind."

 

The homes will be built using local contractors and, once planning permission is granted, are expected to take 16 months to complete. There will also be six three-bedroomed houses on the site, which will be sold by the developer to first time buyers.

 

The Minister recently announced plans to build an additional 35 new social rented homes at Belle Vue in St. Brelade as part of the policy to deliver affordable homes that meet Decent Homes Standards within ten years.

 

 

There is currently a net requirement for at least 222 two-bedroom properties for social rented housing purposes. Deputy Andrew Green said "We are determined to provide social rented housing that meets the needs of our customers and achieves the highest standards possible at an affordable price to the taxpayer. This scheme will make a valuable contribution to our long-term aim of realigning Jersey’s social housing portfolio."

 

The Housing Department has given the go-ahead for three further new build projects this year: Le Squez Phase 2c; Journeaux Street; and Langtry Gardens.  These projects, which will provide an additional 113 homes, are presently under development.​