Development levy to enhance community

Deputy Steve Luce is drawing up plans for the Jersey Infrastructure Levy, a proposed new planning charge to deliver community benefits or affordable housing.

He said that if the new levy was adopted he would ‘almost certainly’ be looking to stop the Percentage for Art and Eastern Cycle Track fees on planning permits.

However, the minister added: ‘It would always be my hope that developers would work with artists to see where they can improve their applications, and cycling initiatives could always look to the JIL for funding.’

The eastern cycle track runs from Gorey Harbour to Grouville School, with a further route plotted through St Clement and St Saviour into town. Fees are levied on applications from properties close to the route to raise money to extend it. The Percentage for Art contribution is a voluntary scheme in which companies or developers pay to install public art in or near developments.

A report following a feasibility study into the proposed infrastructure levy is expected to be published shortly, but the minister says that as further consultation with interested parties needs to be undertaken, it is not expected to be implemented until spring next year.

‘This is a major policy initiative for me and it will take pretty much another 12 months to get the detail finalised and then through the States in its final form,’ he said.

‘If we do go ahead, then the money raised would go towards infrastructure in St Helier, because we have a strategic direction to house the growing population in town.

‘This is not about drains or tarmac, this is about transforming roads, streets and lanes into areas that everyone appreciates such as open spaces, green spaces, quiet areas and vibrant shopping.’

However, Deputy Luce added that there would also be money available for community benefits in the other parishes.

‘If a scheme in Grouville is being levied, then I would expect some of the monies to go back to Grouville, but the JIL is going to be about the future of St Helier and that’s where the priority will be.’

The Environment Department is also seeking Islanders’ views on new guidance on planning obligation agreements – the legal agreements between the Environment Minister and a developer which aim to offset the direct impact of a new development on the surrounding area or nearby infrastructure.

Deputy Luce said: ‘If an infrastructure levy is introduced, it would reduce our use of POAs, give more certainty, transparency and consistency to the industry, and benefit the wider community.’

The consultation runs until 10 May. For more information visit the consultation section of gov.je

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