05 September 2013
Jersey’s Planning Minister, Deputy Rob Duhamel, is urging Islanders to give their views on proposed changes to the Island Plan.
The Island Plan sets out the planning policies for Jersey and was last published in 2011. A review of the plan's key parts is now out for public consultation and Deputy Duhamel is keen to get the views of as many individuals and organisations as possible before the closing date in three weeks.
Among the significant changes to the plan are proposals to rezone privately-owned land specifically for affordable housing, and a review of how States-owned land can meet Jersey’s housing needs.
Ministers say the changes will address the needs of people who have the most difficulty getting on the housing ladder, making affordable homes better targeted and accessible to those most in need.
Affordable homes
Deputy Duhamel said “The Island Plan is a significant document that shapes the lives of all of us living in Jersey. If you have an opinion on Jersey’s future, particularly in relation to affordable homes for our youngsters, please take the trouble to look at the proposed changes and make your views known.”
The proposed revisions include the rezoning of four glasshouse sites and three fields. If the updated plan is approved, an existing policy which required builders to include a number of affordable homes in larger private developments will be scrapped.
Ministers will form a working group to look at possible alternative policies to support the provision of affordable homes by realising value from the development of land. Proposed changes to the Island Plan will also affect the planning policies for the Island’s countryside – including Jersey’s Coastal National Park and the Green Zone. The policies for these areas are being made stronger and clearer.
The consultation is open until Wednesday 25 September, and people can give their comments online by going to the States portal.
Following the consultation there will be a public review on the proposed changes, carried out by an independent planning inspector, ahead of a States debate on proposed revisions to the plan next year.
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