Thirty affordable homes 'to be built in next year'

More land was needed before building affordable homes could begin, representatives were told

About 30 new affordable homes are due to be built in Guernsey in the next 12 months, the vice president of Employment and Social Security has said.

Last year the States set a target of building 721 units of affordable housing by 2027.

At the same time it outlined it would need the private sector to build 844 new homes to meet the island's housing needs.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez told the States on Wednesday that while about 30 were expected in the next 12 months she expected "significant numbers after that".

She said it was likely 440 units - including the 30 already mentioned - would be delivered in the next five years.

Deputy Neil Inder asked why Fontaine Vinery had not been developed - having been considered for housing back in 2018.

He was told the site was being used by tenants and was "complex" to develop.

Deputy de Sausmarez said land was key: "In developing housing, whether that is affordable or private market, you've got to start with a site."