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New powers granted to the Development and Planning Authority allowing them to enforce the proper upkeep of derelict buildings has been welcomed by the Guernsey Retail Group.
Earlier this week – following almost two days of debate – the States Assembly voted through the DPA’s Policy Letter, giving it the ability to serve civil notices to the owners of property that, through dereliction or otherwise, has started to negatively impact the amenity of an area.
One amendment led to the exclusion of people’s homes from the policy and a second amendment made sure it applied to States’ property.
The Head of Retail Development at the GRG, Korinne Le Page, has welcomed the decision. She said the move to give the DPA these new powers will help “improve key areas, such as Mill Street and other locations around the island”.
“The [GRG] has been working with landlords, retail start-ups and established businesses for a period of time to allow shops to re-open through short and medium-term rentals,” she continued. “Through this initiative – the Retail Pathway – a number of previously empty properties have been re-energised by collaborative working, including the old Burton stores in the High Street [and] two properties in the Commerical Arcade...
“It is therefore really pleasing that the States is taking a proactive and also regulatory approach to this and we would hope to see more retail shops, not just in Town, but across the island, start to re-open as the law takes effect.”
She said it’ll benefit the local community by ensuring the island has healthy and vibrant commercial areas.
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