The IoD says its most recent breakfast event was "a highly productive session dedicated to addressing one of Guernsey’s most pressing issues: the housing challenge".
It also said the gathering "underscored the complicated nature of the island’s housing crisis, reflecting insights from the IoD’s recent member survey, which revealed that two-thirds of respondents view housing as a critical concern".
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of Environment & Infrastructure, gave an overview of the Guernsey Housing Plan, explaining how the States of Guernsey is prioritising strategies and actions that will, among other outcomes, stimulate private market housing development to deliver the homes our island and our economy needs.
Deputy de Sausmarez also noted that parking requirements can limit housing development and emphasised the need to look at alternatives such as shared car schemes and improved cycle infrastructure.
A panel discussion followed, addressing the complexities of the private housing market. The panellists explored themes such as delivery vehicles, incentives and penalties for landlords, and practical matters like parking.
Key points from the discussion included:
Several critical statistics and insights were shared during the event:
Housing Pipeline: Despite having 619 planning permissions, only 60% of these lead to actual development. There is a significant gap between planning permissions granted and homes built.
Construction Challenges: Building a house can take 2-5 years, and there is a need for a pipeline of 300 houses per year to meet demand.
Housing Stock: Approximately 25% of households are in the private rental sector, often in substandard conditions. There was discussion about introducing minimum standards and rent stabilisation mechanisms, subject to wide consultation.
Glen Tonks, IoD Guernsey Chair, said: "This session really highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and public consultation to address the housing crisis. As the island moves forward, the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process is vital.
"Those points aside, it was clear from our panellists and attendees that these challenges need to be solved at pace to ensure the island’s future economic and social welfare."
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