Proposal to help islanders buy Waterfront homes

The proposal will be debated at the earliest on 25 June

Islanders could be offered support to buy a home in the future Waterfront development if a proposition is approved.

The Government of Jersey in September rejected plans for 1,000 new homes after the environment minister and a panel found it not offer a good enough place for people to live.

A variety of reasons were given for the rejection including the development offered an insufficient amount of affordable housing and it failed to reconnect St Helier with the waterfront.

The Council of Ministers proposed any future plans for the development should have 15% of new homes offered in shared equity with the States and another 35% provided with a States deposit scheme.

The government said the States of Jersey Development Company was "in discussions with two local banks to create a bespoke savings account for local first-time buyers in order to provide a longer period of saving for their 10% deposit with attractive interest rates".

It said the company hoped to launch the initiative towards the end of the year.

Deputy Helen Miles, the original proprietor, said the government must "give hope to islanders, of all ages, and to show that as their representatives, we can both talk the talk, and walk the walk in addressing their housing needs, and the housing crisis".

The proposal will be debated at the earliest on 25 June.