‘The primary reason for creating these 12 apartments is that it is necessary’

The past month has seen significant media attention for our outline planning proposal for a new apartment block set back 50 yards from the Bridge’s High Street.

We have been delighted by all the public and private messages of support for our quest to help solve the island’s housing crisis. However, some of the commentary, it must be said, has been confused or negative.

As the local team behind this plan, we thought it time to set out why we made this application; and why we believe it’s in Guernsey’s best interests for it to be approved and how we hope to help the island with future projects.

The primary reason for creating these 12 apartments is that it is necessary.

No one who lives in our island can be unaware that Guernsey is currently experiencing a housing crisis.

Purchase prices and rents are astronomically high. So high, indeed, that a recent States report estimated there to be 1,000 technically homeless islanders.

That same report recommended one clear solution: build.

Our first project on the proposed site for this much-needed housing is now an unoccupied office building. Its value to the people of Guernsey is currently practically nil.

Granting outline planning permission would unlock value, raise tax receipts, and help bring down sky-high housing costs.

It is also important, we think, for people to recognise that our proposal is by no means a final design.

We are not builders or developers, and as such have applied only for what is called ‘outline development permission’.

If granted, this would enable the site’s eventual developer to submit detailed architectural plans, which may be rejected, approved and (most likely) adapted by the States after public consultation.

To build new homes you need four things: 1. A plot or site 2. Planning approval 3. Development finance 4. Qualified and skilled building labour.

Our job is to help with these first two pieces of this puzzle which otherwise would be a gamble for any site owner to take. Who after all has £20,000 to 50,000 to bet on a planning application – we take away that risk to help kickstart development.

Finally, we should say that we fully understand people’s concerns. As long-time islanders we care about our beautiful home, and don’t want to do anything to spoil it.

But conservation requires evolution, and if we want to Guernsey to remain a successful and attractive place to live, we need to provide decent housing for its people. It should also be pointed out that we are focusing solely on helping develop brownfield sites – those unused commercial and industrial spaces that are often little more than an eyesore.

We want to work with our fellow islanders to help make this a reality. We urge islanders not only to engage with us via our website (www.islandland.co.uk), but also to let the planning department know that even if they have reservations about the details of this project, they support the idea of turning unused ‘brownfield’ sites into housing at gov.gg/liveplanningapplications or planning@gov.gg.

Simon Bone and Oliver Brock
Island Land