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A successful amendment from Deputy Neil Inder has reduced the scope of a Policy Letter by the DPA, leaving homeowners exempt from potential new powers that could see the ‘amenity’ of their property policed.
The amendment was supported by the Development & Planning Authority itself, after Deputy Inder laid out his reasoning for why the original Policy Letter went too far. His amendment has excluded domestic properties and their curtilage.
On the original Policy Letter, he said: “It's not entirely clear what the Policy Letter is trying to achieve in terms of economic benefit to the island. I believe there's a clear separation between looking at areas of regeneration commercial property, and popping over the edge of someone's house and deciding what their garden looks like.”
His amendment was seconded by Deputy Adrian Gabriel. It was argued that it’s not the business of the government to interfere in the private lives of landowners.
The amendment led to a surprisingly lengthy debate on how far reaching the original policy proposals could reach, with many deputies sharing Deputy Inder’s concern that the proposed powers could infringe on people’s private lives.
Pictured: The amendment led to half a day of debate.
However, there were several deputies who thought the issue was being blown out of proportion.
Deputy Yvonne Burford said “I just don't think the tabloid hysteria that seems to be emanating now has got any justification.” She argued a similar line to Deputy Victoria Oliver – the president of the DPA – which is that similar legislation exists elsewhere, citing both Jersey and Alderney.
“We are going down numerous rabbit holes,” said Deputy David Mahoney, “about ‘I'm going to scare you into this and scare you into that’ and that the DPA, as the boogeyman of the States, will probably be snooping over your back fence, looking at you every time you haven't cut your grass... None of that is being suggested.”
Despite these concerns being raised, the assembly overwhelmingly voted in favour of the amendment, with a vote of 31 to 5.
“It's just, we are all human,” concluded Deputy Inder. “It's as simple as that. We can use words like proportionate and it won't happen, it will never happen - don't worry about it we're all okay; but it could happen.”
The debate followed the successful passing of several DPA propositions to introduce new planning exemptions. Debate continues on the DPA’s full Policy Letter; addressing land which affects the amenity of an area.
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