Charity describes Guernsey housing plans as ‘underwhelming’
The Development and Planning Authority (DPA) have unveiled plans to zone six new parts of Guernsey for affordable housing but the National Trust of Guernsey said proposals said they would lead to the ‘continued erosion of green space.’
After it was revealed that Guernsey need to act on their affordable homes crisis, the States’ DPA outlined new measures with an aim to addressing it. These include the creation of a Housing Sector Forum made up of people from the states of Guernsey, the construction industry and employers, and zoning six new areas of the island for affordable homes.
However, despite seeming positive on the surface, the National Trust of Guernsey have raised some concerns with the plans.
Olly Brock, planning officer at the trust, said the proposals could end up damaging the character of the land.
‘I think underwhelmed is probably quite accurate from the National Trust’s point of view,’ Brock said.
‘We are concerned that it is an erosion or continued erosion of the green spaces around the island.
‘In my personal view, losing a view of the sky – which is what you get when you put a tall building into place – is less of a problem for me than losing open land that changes the character of our island.’
The six areas that have been earmarked for afford housing include:
- Le Tassin Ruette De La Croix, Castel
- Collingwood, Route Militaire, St Sampson
- School Lane Vinery, Rue De La Vallee, St Martin
- Ville Amphrey, St Martin
- Selbourne Vinery, Route Des Coutanchez, St Peter Port
In addition to trying to build more properties, the plans also include axing a policy requiring large housing developments to provide some affordable housing.
Image: Julie Clarke
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