Consultation on draft planning guidance for the development of new homes in the countryside

About the consultation

​This supplementary planning guidance interim policy note has been issued as a draft for consultation in accord with Proposal 25 of the bridging Island Plan which states that the Minister for the Environment will develop supplementary planning guidance to assist with the interpretation and application of the bridging Island Plan Policy H9: Housing outside the built-up area.

The draft note also introduces an interim policy about the development of larger homes in the countryside where they are in excess of 279 square metres (sq.m.) or 3,000 square feet (sq.ft.) gross internal floorspace: interim Policy H9A: Large houses outside the built-up area. This element of interim policy and guidance complements the planning policy framework established by the bridging Island Plan and responds to the policy objectives of the government, specifically action eight of the 100 Day Plan, which seeks ‘to introduce limits on the number of houses that can be built over 3,000 sq. ft. for a period of time in order to focus on tackling the housing crisis.’

The Minister for the Environment also proposes to adopt the Jersey integrated landscape and seascape character assessment (ILSCA) as supplementary planning guidance to ensure that it is taken into account in planning decisions for development in the countryside and around the coast. The ILSCA formed part of the evidence base that was prepared to inform the development of the bridging Island Plan and has already been the subject of consultation and review as part of the island plan review process.

Draft planning guidance for the development of new homes in the countryside

How to submit comments to the consultation

This consultation is now closed.

Responses to the consultation

Draft supplementary planning guidance was published in October 2022. This generated constructive feedback on the implications of new guidance for housing development outside the built-up area. The Minister has carefully considered the responses received, along with the assessment of planning appeals by independent planning inspectors in relation to the use of Policy H9 since its introduction and has made changes to the draft guidance.

The revised guidance will help ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the bridging Island Plan H9 and standards for the development of homes outside the built-up area.

Development of new homes in the countryside consultation responses

Housing outside the built-up area

Landscape and seascape character guidance