Planning exemptions could become law next month
EXPANDED plans for planning exemptions could finally come into force in February, if the States backs them.
The Development & Planning Authority review of exemption proposals were approved by the States in December 2021.
The update will mean that certain changes to property or land, which previously required planning permission, will no longer need it.
This includes development like demolition of chimneys, installation of external render, electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and changes to an existing vehicle access.
Since the debate, legislation has been drafted, and this will need to be approved by the States.
The ordinance had been due to go to the States last year, but the work was delayed due to the workload of the Law Officers and staffing issues at Planning.
The document going to the States also includes a policy letter.
It details that during the legislative drafting process, a number of further amendments to the agreed policy were identified. These aim to make the policy more consistent and better align with the Island Development Plan.
The ordinance also includes special rules for 10 tourism sites, including L’Eree Bay Hotel and Hotel Bon Port, that were flagged in the exemption ordinance to be allowed to change from visitor accommodation to residential.
This exemption would be in place for only two years.
The DPA has requested the matter be submitted for approval at the States meeting on 15 February.
It is proposed that the ordinance would come into force with immediate effect.
