DPA cuts red tape for smaller housing developments

Wednesday 19 May 2021

The Development & Planning Authority has removed the requirement for a Development Framework for smaller housing projects.

It has removed the requirement for developments of less than 20 properties in Main Centres and 10 in Local Centres.

It’s a small step that has been made to “streamline” the planning process and try to cut through bureaucracy. 

Pictured: The President of the DPA, Deputy Victoria Oliver, facilitated the decision after industry feedback.

A Development Framework needs to be approved before certain developments can begin and are put for public consideration. It’s a stipulation that has been in the Island Development Plan since its inception in 2016, with a draft framework being published for consultation ahead of a final document being drawn up. 

The thresholds used to be half what they are now - with a framework required for developments of 10 or more in main centres and five or more in local centres.

“I am really pleased that the Committee has been able to act swiftly after listening to the feedback we have received from the industry,” said Deputy Oliver.

“Our evidence concluded that for smaller housing sites the benefits of Development Frameworks can generally be achieved through the planning application process and the public will still be able to comment on or object to any given application,” she said.

Pictured: DPs will still be needed for larger developments under IDP guidelines.

“By increasing the thresholds as we have this will reduce the burden on developers, get proposed housing developments to site more quickly and free up resources within the States,” said Deputy Oliver.

It comes as political parties and States Deputies continue to postulate ways to get Guernsey out of its current housing crisis.

Not only will the DPA remove the requirement for a DP on smaller developments, it says that it retains discretion to waive the requirement on larger developments too.