DEVELOPERS will now be able to make tailored planning applications for 11 affordable housing sites due to the long-overdue publication of supplementary guidance.
The planning guidance, prepared by Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf, examines land allocated for development under the Bridging Island Plan – approved by the States last year – in St John, St Martin, St Mary, St Ouen, St Peter, St Saviour and Trinity.
Deputy Renouf said the delay to publication was a “matter of regret” that was nonetheless “necessary” to complete the guidance.
The 87-page document sets out a series of development briefs for each of the 15 sites re-zoned for development and outlines how developers should ensure the homes are “affordable”.
It is a one-stop shop for those looking to make planning applications and provides guidance for: the number and type of homes in each site; design issues; neighbouring uses; heritage and archaeology; drainage; flood risk; and land contamination and site waste management.
The guidance also includes issues with protecting existing trees, hedgerows, and local biodiversity, such as bat roosts; to matters of how best to secure access for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – and sets out the associated infrastructure that should be delivered, including bus shelters, traffic calming, and shared open space.
However, development of some sites will depend on public drainage infrastructure and improvements to the sewerage system, which are yet to happen.
Deputy Renouf said the new guidance would “enable progress on the delivery of affordable homes on 11 sites”.
He continued: “This is a significant step forward and a major contribution to the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing.
“I have stated that the time taken to get to this point is a matter of regret, but it has been necessary to clarify the position on drainage infrastructure, and to develop the associated suite of revised planning guidance on density, parking, and residential space standards before this guidance could be issued.”
Deputy Renouf added that the guidance would “ensure that we are creating better places to live, by setting standards for dwellings that will be durable and flexible, and meet Islanders’ changing needs.”
It was released following public consultation in May.
