Planning rules review at risk of further delay

Frustrations have been voiced around the zoning of greenfield sites for affordable housing as part of the IDP review process

A number of deputies have warned the process to review Guernsey's planning rules could be delayed into the next political term.

Deputy Chief Minister Heidi Soulsby is one of those who said she feared the process may end in it rolling into the new term, saying: "I'd be very surprised with the process we've got that any decisions can be made this term."

The DPA has declined to comment on the possibility of further delays.

Guernsey's Development and Planning Authority (DPA) has already asked for more time to consider comments about the plan.

Mrs Soulsby said the current process of reviewing the Island Development Plan (IDP), which governs the island's planning rules, was too complicated and needed simplifying.

She said: "Is our process right in the first place?

"Does it need to be so long-winded and so complex, very difficult for the ordinary man and woman in the street to engage with? Maybe we need to make it simpler."

The current timescale indicates a debate on the IDP review in the last States debate of this current term in April 2025.

L'aumone resident Mark Guillou has voiced opposition to zone a green field for affordable housing

Mark Guillou lives next to one of the sites which the review has proposed is zoned for affordable housing.

He has criticised the process of commenting on the plan: "I made a point of properly reading this and I found it really difficult.

"I'm not an idiot, and I thought if anyone didn't want any meaningful comments, this was the way to do it.

"It reminded me of the education consultation years ago."

He said he was argued the field at L'aumone which was proposed for affordable housing was not suitable as it was a greenfield which was planted on twice a year.

DPA Vice-President Andy Taylor has also voiced his opposition to the policy.

Deputy Steve Falla asked for an extension to allow more time for people to make comments on the plan

IDP review 'impossible' this term

Deputy Steve Falla sad he was also concerned the review would not be completed this term.

He said: "I think the amount of work involved and the number of representations involved will make it impossible to deliver this political term.

"I'd rather get it right than get it done quickly. If it means further delay to get it right, we should do that. It would be wrong to rush it through."

He said he was also expressing concerns with the process of submitting comments for the process.

He said: "I just couldn't do it, as I was constantly thrown off the site. Ordinary people in Guernsey have found it impenetrable to say what they want to say as part of this review.

"You need a degree in planning to navigate it, really."

Analysis: John Fernandez, BBC Guernsey political reporter

I've spoken to developers, planning experts and politicians who all behind the scenes tell me there is little to no chance this review can be delivered before April 2025.

The DPA is already divided on the way this review should be taken, which has led to some of the delays.

Meanwhile, the representations received have been "divergent", according to the committee.

The net result of these delays could mean even more waiting, with a new DPA next term which may not agree with the current shape of the review.