IDP review ‘will have a huge impact on delivering housing’

The anticipated delay was confirmed by Development & Planning Authority president Victoria Oliver yesterday. In June the authority published a range of proposed changes to IDP policies and the zoning of various parcels of land. These included the creation of six new affordable housing sites and opening up the Castel Hospital site for development.

Deputy Oliver confirmed that a further round of public representations would need to be undertaken, with any consequent changes to the plan ­now needing to be considered by a future DPA committee after the election in June.

Paul Nobes from developer Infinity Group said that he was very disappointed with the delay.

‘This will have a huge impact and will hit the delivery of much needed housing on the island,’ he said.

‘We need more collaboration across the States departments involved. At the moment there is no input from industry and States departments working independently with seemingly no synergy.’

Mr Nobes said that, along with the Guernsey Construction Forum, he had been in communication with Deputy Nick Moakes, who was currently trying to set up a forum to help deliver the homes that the island desperately needs.

‘We as an industry need more involvement,’ he said.

‘Having all stakeholders involved will help push these matters ahead.’

Speaking after the announcement in the States, E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez and the States’ Trading Supervisory Board president Peter Roffey, who have both called for an acceleration in the amount of housing being built for key workers, said they were disappointed with the announcement.

‘It’s frustrating that the targeted review didn’t start earlier to give the DPA time to consult with committees ahead of deciding and publishing their proposals,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

‘Had that more joined-up and consultative approach been taken, we would be much less likely to be in this situation now.’

Deputy Peter Roffey said that this news would not only delay bringing forward possible new sites for affordable housing, it also put a ‘planning blight’ on two of the sites that have already been earmarked and was a major headache for the affordable housing development programme.

‘One is the Fontaine vinery, because we know that P&R have asked for consideration for this to go from housing to industry,’ he said.

‘And the second one is the Data Park, where we have to wait for the IDP to be approved before housing can be built.’