THE minimum floor space of one- and two-bed flats should be increased, the Environment Minister has said.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf made the comments after Islanders were asked to give their views on proposals to raise the requirements for the size of homes and introduce new guidance on the amount of parking spaces they should have.
Two consultations have been opened – and will run until 17 April – for the public to comment on new draft supplementary planning guidance issued by Deputy Renouf.
He said: ‘Given the increasing provision of more compact forms of development, such as one- and two-bedroom flats, there is a greater need to ensure that Islanders can still enjoy good levels of space in their homes.
‘These standards will ensure that all homes, regardless of their form, offer a good quality of accommodation and space for people to have a good quality of life.’
The new draft guidance also looks to reflect the Island’s change in transport policy, which places increased emphasis on encouraging more sustainable forms of travel through means such as bicycle parking. It suggests that in the town centre, there may be circumstances where car-free residential development could be permitted.
Deputy Renouf continued: ‘There is, of course, a link between the amount of space we provide for parking and the amount of outside space available for residents’ enjoyment. Put crudely, less parking means there is the potential for greater provision of outdoor space – and it is intended that all new developments should move in this direction and that we critically re-examine how much car parking space might be needed in different parts of the Island. In the past, our policies have encouraged car use.
‘There is now a clear emphasis in the other direction, and while there is still a need to make provision for cars, where alternative travel is more accessible, the provision of car parking space may be reduced and the need for specific bicycle parking increased. I encourage Islanders to comment on both of the consultations, as their views will help shape the final draft of the supplementary planning guidance.’
lThe surveys can be found on the gov.je website and Islanders can also comment by email to islandplan@gov.je or by post to Draft SPG – public consultation, Place and Spatial Planning, Cabinet Office, Government of Jersey, 19–21 Broad Street, St Helier, JE2 3RR.
