Weak spot in GP11 policy leaves developers rubbing their hands in pleasure
READING the Guernsey Press on Saturday 11 March concerning the vote our DPA took to back plans for 26 homes at Briarwood, St Martin’s.
Once again this department has let the first-time buyers down by allowing the developers to build 26 homes and none of them for affordable buyers. Only Deputy Andrew Taylor opposed the development, also Deputies Rob Prow, Aidan Matthews, Peter Roffey, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez were all against the vote.
This weak spot in the GP11 policy now leaves other future developers rubbing their hands in pleasure over future sites.
Apparently since 2016 when the GP11 plan was voted on, there have been no approvals on sites for first-time buyers – this is an absolute disgrace.
Well done the DPA for not being powerful enough to pursue changing the application of GP11, as they themselves are aware there is a weakness in the policy.
I have clearly noted those deputies on the DPA – Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Blin, Dyke and the president, Victoria Oliver.
Reading Deputy Oliver’s manifesto on the election brochure, a paragraph on housing and development, I quote: ‘I believe that the States should look to improve the process of buying and selling.' The current system is outdated and is the most expensive process according to the Housing Review.
She also clearly states: ‘I want to encourage and help first-time buyers.’ Tell that to the parents of the island’s children hoping to purchase their own homes.
I think the electorate will look at these deputies’ performances on this latest development with disdain.
These are deputies who will clearly not get my vote at the next election, all part of probably the worst States ever. Deputies like these seem not to care about our island’s youngsters and for their future of where to live and many parents I hope reading the Press will also feel let down for their children’s future.
Again we see on page one, how the old Manor Hotel became a lodging house, once again through weakness in the planning process.
This proves we have a planning policy that is out of touch. Time this authority resigned and with immediate effect – get the States to change this policy to help our future generations. This proves that this island is full of inequality.
The worst States ever.
PS. Remember those deputies who have let our first-time buyers down.
R S MAUGER
Valletta
Rue des Frieteaux
St Martin’s