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51 new areas could be created recognising their biodiversity value if changes to the Island Development Plan are approved.
The Development & Planning Authority is proposing that 51 new sites are designated, the boundaries of 15 existing sites are extended, and four removed bringing the total land classed to 2,051 vergées.
Areas are listed as ABIs in planning laws to prevent the unnecessary loss of key habitats and landscapes across the island.
It’s not a complete barrier to any development, but it does make the hurdle higher.
DPA President Deputy Victoria Oliver said a “robust report” from Environment Guernsey had made the recommendation.
“They had studied over a period of time a number of sites, and they decided which ones should be allocated, which ones should be taken out. So now we have over 300 sites that will be areas of biodiversity importance.”
Pictured: Areas checked green are the proposed ABIs.
Among the extension is Delancey Park, the woods behind Frossard House and Villocq estate, while land near Bordeaux and Creve Cour will be classed as an ABI for the first time.
Church land in several parishes will be recognised including St Peter’s, St Sampson’s, Torteval, Vale and Castel.
And quarries from the Torrey to Cuet and Ville Baudu will also get ABI status under the plans.
DPA Vice-President Deputy Andy Taylor said ABIs wouldn't “preclude any development” but was about acknowledging ecological value.
“I don't think you need to preclude any development within a graveyard, because it's not likely to come forward. But the land and those areas did meet the criteria for being an ABI."
Deputy Oliver agreed than many of the sides won’t be developed in any case.
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