Planning guidance for the development of affordable housing sites published

22 November 2023

New planning guidance on the development of affordable homes on sites rezoned in the Island Plan, has been issued by the Minister for Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf.

This guidance will help developers in shaping their proposals for the delivery of new affordable homes on 11 sites (comprising 15 fields) across Jersey.

The supplementary planning guidance, published as a series of development briefs for each site rezoned for development, has been updated following a consultation in May earlier this year, where Islanders had an opportunity to comment on the drafts.

The guidance outlines how developers are expected to ensure the homes delivered are affordable, along with some key planning issues that need to be addressed. These range from issues about protecting existing trees, hedgerows, and local biodiversity, such as bat roosts; to matters of how best to secure access for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

It also sets out the associated infrastructure that should be delivered, including bus shelters, traffic-calming, and shared open space.

The development of some sites will be dependent upon the provision of public drainage infrastructure, the timing of which is set out in the briefs. In many cases, the planning process may be progressed alongside the delivery of improvement to the Island's sewerage system.

These sites should deliver homes for social rent, as well as affordable homes for purchase. The Minister acknowledges that some parishes have specific housing needs and aspirations and is committed to working with the Minister for Housing and the parishes, to help realise their objectives within the framework approved by the States Assembly and set out in the Island Plan.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf said: "I am delighted to be publishing this guidance, which will enable progress on the delivery of affordable homes on 11 sites. This is a significant step forward and a major contribution to the Government's commitment to providing affordable housing.

"I have stated that the time taken to get to this point is a matter of regret, but it has been necessary to clarify the position on drainage infrastructure, and to develop the associated suite of revised planning guidance on density, parking, and residential space standards before this guidance could be issued. Together with the density, parking and residential space standards, this new guidance will inform the development of homes on rezoned housing sites and ensure that we are creating better places to live, by setting standards for dwellings that will be durable and flexible, and meet Islanders' changing needs."