States set to build 400 homes in five years

The two biggest sites – at Fontaine and Duval vineries and the former Kenilworth Vinery, now known as Parc Le Lacheur – could both take some 130 properties, but are probably furthest away from construction starting.

Other prioritised sites, listed by Employment & Social Security, include the former CI Tyres site in La Charroterie, which will cater for 54 key worker units, and the recently-purchased Braye Lodge Hotel, which will accommodate 50 units for key workers.

It also includes La Vieille Plage, where 14 specialised units are being planned for adults with a learning disability, a mixed development of 32 properties near St Sampson’s School in Rue de Dol.

In the medium term – anticipated within the next 5-7 years – the States is looking at the prospect of picking up affordable housing sites through the controversial GP11 policy with prospective developments in train at Pointues Rocques, the former St Martin’s Hotel and the Mallard site.

Longer term, the States is looking at the potential to infill existing housing estates or redevelop them, such as Clairval, Courtil Bris, Mahaut Gardens and Les Genats, plus opportunities including Fontaine Vinery, new sites at La Vrangue and Pitronnerie Road, and the rather controversial idea of building high-rise on the car park at Sir Charles Frossard House.

That also appears on a fresh list pulled together by the States Property Unit in response to an amendment from Deputies Neil Inder and Peter Ferbrache at last year’s Government Work Plan debate to publish a 'Housing Action Plan' which included a comprehensive overview of States-owned land available for housing.

The list makes it clear that no sites have any funding allocated and there are no proposals in progress.

In total the 25 sites identified could produce as many as 789 homes and at least 480, but some would appear to be non-starters, including the Beau Sejour and Odeon car parks. While Beau Sejour is estimated to be able to accommodate nearly 300 homes, the Odeon would take fewer than 30.

Other significant sites include greenhouses at Longue Rue in St Martin’s, Swissville in the Rohais, the site of the Police Station, the Delancey and Coutanchez education sites, and fields in Route des Coutanchez and Ivy Castle.