Jersey votes to make waterfront home sales easier

Deputy Helen Miles originally wanted 50% of the homes built there more affordable

The States of Jersey has agreed unanimously to make it easier for people to buy homes on the island's waterfront.

Deputy Helen Miles originally wanted to force developers to make 50% of the homes built there more affordable.

But, instead of making the homes more cheaply, the States will instead offer a shared equity and deposit scheme to help first-time buyers.

Deputy Miles said the States needed to change the brief for the company which oversees waterfront developments.

She said: "All of what we have heard today needs to be on the table.

"We need a community-led development, and an agreement that there is an attempt to deliver a scheme that delivers different housing, less height, less density... one that I would want to buy."

Early plans for 1,000 flats at the waterfront were rejected, but were expected to be resubmitted later.