Sark residents get to grips with land reform
SARKEES are engaging with a consultation process which could transform how land is managed on the island.
The last of four land reform meetings was held this week.
Islanders have been struggling with a 1611 law which was laid down to ensure members of the island's garrison had enough land to farm for their families. That meant land could not be divided and since then new homes have often been built on land with long leases.
There are over 300 homes on Sark, but only 70 are freehold, and this can cause problems with matters like mortgages because the asset will depreciate as the lease gets shorter.
Land Reform Policy Development Team team leader William Raymond said islanders were keen to get involved with the discussions.
'It's been fantastic,' he said. 'They've been so constructive in what they've got to say.'
Two public meetings were held, with around 80 people attending each one, and around 30 people each attended a lease holders' meeting and a land owners' meeting.
