REVISIONS to planning guidance – including the removal of an “unhelpful” development restriction – have been introduced by the Environment Minister.
The changes, implemented by Deputy Steve Luce as part of a wider drive to reform the Island’s planning service, are intended to create “positive development while ensuring clarity and flexibility in planning policies”.
This includes the removal of the 3,000sq-ft floorspace limit on new residential developments, which was introduced by the previous government.
Deputy Luce said: “I have been concerned that there is a perception that this is an absolute cap on development, limiting homeowners from extending or improving their dwellings. This is not the case, and the position is more nuanced.”
He continued: “The continuation of this restriction in planning guidance is unhelpful. There is already a robust policy framework within the Island Plan, supplemented by additional planning guidance, which effectively manages the development of new or extended large dwellings across the Island.”
Deputy Luce has also revised planning guidance to allow greater flexibility in replacing plastic windows in listed buildings.
He said: “Modern materials and technologies now offer improved thermal performance while better replicating the design and appearance of historic windows and doors.
“I want to enable the replacement of existing plastic windows in Grade 3 and Grade 4 listed buildings with windows made from composite materials – provided they deliver an overall improvement to the character and appearance of the building.”
Deputy Luce added: “This ensures improved thermal performance while also repairing the damage caused when original windows were lost.”
The revised planning guidelines are available on the government website.
