Eight new sites proposed for affordable housing in Guernsey

Tuesday, 4 February 2025 07:00

The Development & Planning Authority suggests using States-owned brownfield sites to build affordable housing.

The DPA says, based on the latest housing need indicators, there is enough land allocated to meet the predicted need for private market housing for the next six years, but more is needed for affordable housing.

To address this, the committee has published revised changes to the Island Development Plan today (4 February).

Eight new sites are proposed: one in St Peter Port, St Martin, the Forest, St Pierre du Bois and L’Islet - and three at Vazon.

Old plans saw a significant proportion of land proposed for housing centring around the Bridge.

DPA President Deputy Victoria Oliver says they have listened to feedback from June last year, and are now proposing a more even distribution.

"Brownfield is what everyone wants to see revitalised, especially derelict (sites), to give it an economic value.

"So we have prioritised redundant glass houses because I think everyone on the island would like to see the States do something about those.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that there is enough land available for housing in the medium term. Therefore, having listened carefully to the feedback and carried out further extensive research, we believe these proposals provide a sensible, pragmatic and balanced solution.”

An interactive map has been uploaded to the States website.

"It is really to make it easier for people to access and see where the new sites are.

"We always look at new initiatives, from the States' point of view, (for) how to get information across to parishioners, and I think this is a great way."

Islanders have until 31 March to comment on these changes, which will shape the final Island Development Plan.