More exemptions for minor changes proposed

Limited exemptions were introduced in 2009. But these are set to be adapted and vastly expanded under the proposals.

Where there were 22 for development on the land around houses, this will be increased to nearly 40, while for the first time flats will be allowed exemptions, with 19 proposed.

In the policy letter, DPA president Victoria Oliver said making changing to the rules about what people could do with their homes would improve the customer experience.

‘It is recognised that over time people’s expectations of what can be done to their own homes have changed and this has been reflected within the Island Development Plan,’ she said.

‘The broadening of the exemptions within class one [domestic properties] reflects these expectations and allows the proportionate flexibility for owners to carry out works to their houses.’

There are 16 new exemptions for houses, such as removing a hedge, demolishing or installing a chimney, installing external render, widening vehicle access and installing polytunnels.

Nearly 20 of the existing exemptions have also been changed. Many of these were widened, such as allowing for larger greenhouses and sheds, increasing the size and height of extensions and increasing the size and number of satellite dishes allowed.

For the first time people in flats could will be allowed to carry out certain developments without permission.

This includes rendering walls, installing a satellite dish, replacing doors and windows in existing gaps, reroofing properties and erecting a porch.

‘While it is not possible to allow the whole suite of exemptions which apply to dwelling houses to apply to flats due to the nature of some of these works, the authority has recognised that some exemptions can be given where none exist at present,’ Deputy Oliver said.

‘Not only will this remove restrictions placed on residents, it will also remove the associated planning application fee.’

There is a proposed widespread relaxation of restrictions around items like electric car charging points, solar panels and heat pumps.

‘It is also considered particularly important to increase exemptions for renewable energy equipment such as solar products which will enable wider environmental benefits,’ she said.

‘The inclusion of wider exemptions relating to renewable energy installations promotes sustainable development and supports the Government Work Plan.’

In the past exemptions have not applied to protected buildings or monuments, But under these proposals, some will.

In terms of shops and businesses, there will also be a cutting of red tape, with some change of uses becoming exempt.

This includes changing the upper floor of retail into a flat, changing a hot food takeaway to general food use, and convenience retail to general retail.

‘The authority is proposing new exemptions... to allow businesses to change the use of a building to certain uses more easily in response to market conditions, allowing more flexibility in particular within the main centres,’ Deputy Oliver said.

‘However, units can only be altered subject to meeting the conditions in the exemption. The restrictions in place through the conditions would ensure that satisfactory living standards are maintained whilst not having a significant impact on the retail provision currently offered by St Peter Port and St Sampson’s, utilising lesser-used upper floors of buildings to help encourage and complement active town centres.’

The policy letter proposals only set out the principles, and exact wording and restrictions still need to be drawn up.

. Full details at https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=147233