‘There should be reasonable annual targets for new homes’
WORKERS from outside the island are likely to be needed by the building industry if the number of new homes suggested by the States is to be built, according to those involved in the sector.
Environment & Infrastructure has revealed a housing indicator figure suggesting 313 new homes a year in the next five years, a total of 1,565 consisting of 844 private units and 721 of affordable housing.
Ravenscroft Project Management project director Alex Knowelden thought it might be a better idea to set reasonable annual targets for the delivery of new homes to avoid a rush towards the end of the five-year period that could lead to off-island workers being needed.
‘Within the next five years, with a 1,500 unit volume, we could get close to that, but it’s unlikely you’re going to see a dent made in that figure within the next 12-18 months,’ he said.
‘The compounding effect on the remaining three years of projects will see significantly increased activity in construction and we must be hyper-aware of the level of local resource available.’
He welcomed the recent announcement by the Development & Planning Authority to increase the thresholds for development frameworks – planning documents produced by professional planners at the beginning of a development process – to 30 dwellings in the main centres and main centre outer areas, and 15 dwellings in local centres.
‘I think that may help. I have the utmost respect for the planners, but writing something and translating that to action are two different things.’
Ravenscroft currently has live planning applications with one developer for 42 new homes to be built by the end of 2024.
Guernsey Building Trades Employers’ Association president Steve Roussel echoed Mr Knowelden’s comments about off-island resource being needed. ‘In the short-term, if the local building industry is going to deliver the extra housing units identified in the report, it will require extra staff from off island,’ he said.
But in the medium to longer term, he said there was a chance to increase the local construction workforce through the Guernsey Institute apprenticeship scheme and other training initiatives.
Overall, the GBTEA welcomed the report from E&I. ‘GBTEA members have a track record of building both private and social housing and will be keen to discuss future projects with GHA and private developers,’ said Mr Roussel.
The industry would like to see a clear plan from the States for both major infrastructure projects and housing, and the report would help develop that.
‘Providing sufficient first-time buyer homes is also vital to ensure that young islanders see staying in the island and working in the construction industry as an attractive and viable career and life choice.’
Victoria Slade of the Guernsey Housing Association welcomed the housing indicator figure. ‘By using this, as well as the waiting list information, we can design and plan new developments more effectively, in turn making best use of the land we have available.
‘The fact that the model covers demand for both affordable and private housing is really positive – both have their part to play.
‘With States support we’ve grown the number of affordable homes we provide to over 1,000, and although there are still things to work through, like designs and planning permissions, we’re aiming to build another 300 over the next five years.’
