Reminder to follow current planning laws

Monday 24 January 2022

People wanting to make changes to properties and land which the States recently agreed to make exempt from planning permission are being reminded that the new exemptions are not available yet.

On 15 December, the States approved proposals to make changes to the Exemptions Ordinance of the Planning Law. This will extend the type of changes which can be made without the requirement to apply for permission from the Development & Planning Authority.

The works which will no longer require planning permission include demolishing or erecting chimneys, external render to buildings, installation of electric vehicle charging points and solar panels and modifying pre-existing vehicle areas.

However, the Development & Planning Authority and the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure have issued a reminder that current procedures must be observed for the time being until an Ordinance is approved by the States to put the changes into law.

Until then, planning permission must still be obtained for changes which will soon be exempt from permission and corresponding planning fees remain in place. 

The reminder follows questions being asked by some people who are currently making changes to their properties or land and who were unsure whether the exemptions recently approved had come into effect yet.  

Various steps remain before the new exemptions can be made law. An Ordinance needs to be drafted, lodged with the Greffier and then approved by the States' Assembly.  

The States say that further updates and guidance will be provided to help individuals understand what these changes will mean for them. 

The full list of additional exemptions recently approved by the States in principle can be found HERE.