States debate for revised Island Plan

​​The Planning and Environment Minister has lodged a report and proposition setting out proposed changes to Jersey’s Island Plan.

 

Deputy Rob Duhamel announced his intention to change parts of the 2011 Island Plan in July 2013 after it was concluded too little affordable housing was being built to meet demand. Other recommendations concerned controlling development in the Coastal National Park and the Green Zone to protect the Island’s coast and countryside.

 

This latest set of changes take account of a long and comprehensive consultation and public enquiry during which more than 250 people and organisations made approximately 700 comments on the proposals.

 

Two independent inspectors examined the proposed changes in the light of public consultation. They supported many of the Minister’s proposed changes.

 

In the report and proposition, lodged with the States, the Minister proposes a new strategy to deliver affordable homes which will see up to 70 per cent of the provision made on States-owned land, including Summerland, and the rezoning of four glasshouse sites.

 

The Minister has also taken on board an issue raised by the inspectors – that more needs to be done to address the quality of housing in the unqualified sector.

 

Deputy Duhamel said “This is an important and necessary revision to the Island Plan. It sets out a robust and deliverable strategy to deliver desperately needed homes at a level that people can afford. I hope that my colleagues in the States support this so that we can help ease the Island’s shortage of affordable homes.”

 

The plan will now be lodged for 12 weeks. In that time the Minister is to carry out briefings with States Members so they understand the background and content of the proposed revisions to the plan. Debate on the revised plan is scheduled for June.