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A targeted review of the island’s planning laws and briefs that will help guide any future development of St Peter Port and St Sampson’s harbours will include the views of the public.
The Development & Planning Authority is currently reviewing parts of the Island Development Plan which sets out the rules and policies which much be followed to use or develop the island’s land.
Part of the process is to remove obstacles to housing development, future sites for commercial and industry use, and the affordable housing policy – GP11. It will also look at simplifying modifications to planning laws in future to better respond to changing demands.
Separately, the DPA is drawing up planning documents for the island’s two main harbours to guide future investment and development seaside and landside.
Both pieces of work must follow a legal process including independent planning inspector’s inquiries with public comments welcomed at multiple stages.
It’s expected a draft of planning law changes will be published this summer, immediately triggering the independent review opening up public consultations. Counter representations can also be made, with a public hearing by autumn. Final proposals will then be submitted to the States for debate.
Pictured: The DPA hope its projects will be adopted by the States this political term.
For the harbour planning briefs three opportunities are on offer for public comment starting between March and April that will inform a first draft. Then further comments will be invited in August after publication.
Upon the final draft being published the independent planners will hold public hearings and invite further comments.
During this period, the DPA will publicise its draft changes online and at drop-in events to help everyone understand what is being considered, and how they can submit their views.
Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said as these two distinct processes will be running simultaneously, they want to reduce confusion and improve understanding.
“We’re conscious that these two processes overlap in terms of timing, and so there will be points in the year when we may find we’re trying to explain both to the community. Unfortunately, that’s unavoidable if we’re to complete these pieces of work this term, which is our aim,” she said.
“The focused review of the Island Development Plan and the preparation of a Local Planning Brief will have a significant impact on future decisions on housing, our infrastructure and our environment.
A tender process is underway to appoint the independent planning inspectors which is being carried out by Environment & Infrastructure, acting independently of the DPA.
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