Planners try again to generate interest in community plans
PLANNERS are trying again to generate interest among islanders to come up with ideas about how they can help improve their community.
The idea is that a community plan would set out how those who live, work and spend time there would like to see it change.
It can express the needs and aspirations of the local community and what they want to improve and achieve.
It can cover all aspects of community life, including services, facilities, roads, community safety, access to health services, playgrounds and open spaces.
The concept has existed since the Island Development Plan came into force in 2016, but no one has drawn one up yet.
Development & Planning Authority president Deputy John Gollop said it was keen to get people involved.
‘These plans represent a great opportunity for local involvement in the planning and improvement of an area,’ he said.
‘It is really important, though, that the ideas for this come forward from the community involved and, while government can help support the development of a plan, it is vital that the vision belongs to the community and has its support and commitment.’
Community plans can cover a small collection of homes or a wider settlement.
The scale and scope would vary depending on its purpose. For example it could involve improvements to the public space, future development concepts for existing housing estates, or it might aim to provide a comprehensive vision for the future development of a local centre.
A community plan must comply with the planning law and the policies of the Island Development Plan. It is also not a means of preventing otherwise acceptable development.
Once the DPA has approved a community plan, it will be taken into account when assessing planning applications and development frameworks, having had the input and support of the local community prior to the submission of a planning application.
n The DPA has published guidance on the plan, which can be seen at www.gov.gg/planningpolicy. Community groups interested can contact the Planning Service by email at Planning@gov.gg or by phone on 717200.
