11 February 2025
Enhancing Jersey’s Planning Service
Deputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment, MENV, has introduced revisions to various
aspects of planning guidance as part of Goverment CSP to reforming the Island’s planning
service.
These changes are aimed at creating positive development while ensuring clarity and flexibility
in planning policies.
Removal of 3,000 sq ft Floorspace Limit
The Minister has removed the 3,000 sq ft (279 sqm) floorspace limit on new residential
developments, a restriction introduced by the previous administration.
Deputy Luce said:
“I have been concerned that there is a perception that this is an absolute cap on development,
limiting homeowners from extending or improving their dwellings. This is not the case, and the
position is more nuanced.
“The continuation of this restriction in planning guidance is unhelpful. There is already a robust
policy framework within the Island Plan, supplemented by additional planning guidance, which
effectively manages the development of new or extended large dwellings across the island.”
To implement this decision, three pieces of supplementary planning guidance have been
revised:
- Housing Outside the Built-Up Area
- Density Standards
- Residential Space Standards
Greater Flexibility for Windows and Doors in Listed Buildings
The Minister has also revised planning guidance to provide more flexibility regarding changes to
windows and doors in certain listed buildings.
Windows and doors are key elements of Jersey’s historic buildings. In the 1990s, the Island
Development Committee introduced controls to regulate their replacement, responding to the
widespread installation of modern PVCu windows that resulted in the loss of many original
features.
With advancements in material performance and adaptability, planning policies for replacing
windows in listed buildings have evolved. Greater flexibility already exists for the introduction of
double-glazing where original historic windows are beyond repair. The Minister has now further
revised planning guidance to allow additional flexibility in replacing plastic windows in listed
buildings.
Deputy Luce said:
“Modern materials and technologies now offer improved thermal performance while better
replicating the design and appearance of historic windows and doors.
“I want to enable the replacement of existing plastic windows in Grade 3 and Grade 4 listed
buildings with windows made from composite materials — provided they deliver an overall
improvement to the character and appearance of the building. This ensures improved thermal
performance while also repairing the damage caused when original windows were lost.”
These revisions aim to balance heritage conservation with modern energy efficiency
improvements, ensuring Jersey’s historic buildings can be preserved while adapting to
contemporary needs.
The revised planning guidelines are available on the government website:
gov.je