Progress accelerating on affordable housing programme

Thursday 12 December 2024

A major affordable house building project in the Vale that was stalled because of flooding concerns is on the verge of moving again.

Plans are in place for the Guernsey Housing Association to build around 154 housing units at the former Kenilworth Vinery site near the Bridge, a project now called Parc Le Lacheur, which is on an area of reclaimed land below sea level.

Giving a general update on the work of Employment & Social Security, which is politically responsible for affordable housing, President Peter Roffey said that he was pleased to report that progress is at last accelerating with the Affordable Housing Development Programme.

"Crucially, at Parc Le Lacheur, it looks as though, at long last, we're close to a resolution of issues with flood mitigations which will allow the GHA to crack on with the provision of up to around 154 housing units," said Deputy Roffey.

"The intention is to develop this large site in phases in order to ensure that the first homes come on line as soon as possible."

Other projects are also moving, including 14 units of specialised housing at La Vieille Page which are wind and watertight.

Groundworks are happening at Oberlands Road where 15 units of key worker housing are being built alongside private housing in a joint venture between the GHA and Infinity Construction.

Pictured: Deputy Peter Roffey and GHA chief executive Vic Slade at the CI Tyres site where more units may be built than the 57 agreed so far.

"Further to planning permission being granted for the development of 57 units at Domaine des Moulins on the former CI Tyres site, the GHA, having taken account of feedback from the Open Planning Meeting, is currently working up detailed costings, final design and unit numbers with a focus on making efficient use of space, improving sustainability, ensuring value for money and exploring alternative and faster construction methods."

He said that the GHA believes it can get more units on that site more economically.

Pre-application discussions with the Planning Service regarding Braye Lodge are also taking place with a view to refining the plans for the development of the site to take into account planning feedback. Discussions with the site's owner the Medical Specialist Group to finalise arrangements for buying it are ongoing.

Commercial negotiations are also happening over the Pointues Rocques site.

"There are several designated housing sites in close proximity in the north of the island, which between them have the potential to deliver 1000+ new homes," he said.

"The committee is keen to make sure that these sites can be developed sympathetically and effectively, bearing in mind the things that these communities will need, and the impact they will have on surrounding neighbourhoods and infrastructure.

"The committee, working closely with DPA and E&I, has appointed Savills to work with key stakeholders such as the Douzaines, the owners of the sites, utility providers, the GHA and internal States of Guernsey subject matter experts on relevant topics such as biodiversity, transport, etc to ensure that these sites work alongside each other and the surrounding areas, as well as delivering on Government's key housing objectives.

"This Framework is due to be delivered in Q1 2025.

"Re-energising the Affordable Housing Development Programme from a standing start has been my committee's top political priority throughout this term. It has proved hugely frustrating but there are now signs that hard work will soon be bearing fruit."