RESTRICTIONS on the development of large homes could be introduced as part of updated planning guidance – and Islanders are being asked to have their say.
Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf has issued two pieces of draft supplementary planning guidance.
The first provides further details on the development of new homes in the countryside. It aims to encourage better use of existing dwellings and the conversion of listed and traditional farm buildings with a presumption against new, large homes.
The second sets out minimum density standards for development schemes of five or more homes in the Island’s built-up areas – including St Helier, Les Quennevais and parish centres – to encourage more efficient use of developed land.
The draft planning guidance forms part of Chief Minister Kristina Moore’s 100-day action plan, which included prioritising developments under 3,000sq-ft.
Deputy Renouf said: ‘In the countryside we want to restrict the development of very large houses at a time of housing shortage. This draft guidance sets out how we might better manage the development of large homes. Such properties are well beyond the reach of most Islanders and do little to help meet our pressing housing needs, which are for affordable and family homes.
‘We also know that many owner-occupied homes are not used to their full potential and this guidance sets out how new homes might be created by sub-dividing or extending existing dwellings, or by converting traditional old barns and listed buildings to residential use.’
He added: ‘We also need to make better use of land that is already developed, so when proposals for redevelopment come forward in our built-up areas, we optimise the density of new development. This should not, however, be at the expense of the character and identity of the area.’
– The consultation is open until 30 November and can be found at gov.je/consultations.
