Affordable homes clause causes split in the DPA

In a tense three-and-a-half-hour open planning meeting, the four political members examined the plans, which would have seen 26 homes built in a field and a back garden around the Grande Rue car park in St Martin’s.

The planners had recommended the scheme get the go ahead, but concerns had been raised by the Guernsey Housing Association and Employment & Social Security that no affordable housing was set to be included.

Under policy GP11, developments with between 25 and 30 new dwellings should have 28% of affordable houses.

But an independent report found that if 28% – or seven homes – were given to the GHA at cost, the scheme would not be viable. This was based on the development needing to have at least a 20% profit.

Deputies Andy Taylor and Sasha Kazantseva-Miller both raised concerns about the viability report and the loss of privacy around Briarwood itself, which houses the office of the Children’s Convenor. They voted to defer the scheme.

Deputy John Dyke and president Victoria Oliver both gave the scheme their backing, with Deputy Oliver saying she was happy with the viability report.

But with a split vote, it could not be approved.

The plans were put forward by Sarnian Property Ltd and Infinity Construction.

Project director Alex Knowelden said that while discussions would normally take place after a deferral, he felt there was nothing left to discuss. The next step would be to take the matter to the independent appeals tribunal.

‘I’m extremely disappointed, particularly around the level of understanding around the viability report,’ he said. He said they had put their best foot forward yesterday, and if that was not good enough, then he said there was no choice but to appeal. He added that planning policy was on their side.

Deputy Oliver thanked islanders for getting involved with the meeting and said they would be engaging with the developers to consider the way forward.