Deputy calls for bigger apartments to avoid 'rabbit hutch' living

Deputy Tom Coles said the minimum standards for developers to get planning permission must be changed

A deputy claims Jersey people could have to live in apartments the size of "rabbit hutches".

Deputy Tom Coles said the minimum standards for developers to get planning permission must be changed.

He wants one and two bedroom apartments to be at least 10% bigger.

He has brought his ideas to the States for a vote.

Mr Coles said the proposition comes in response to new planning guidance which will see some minimum sizes increased.

The new guidance however still allows for some homes to be built which Mr Coles believes falls short of what will provide islanders with a decent standard of living.

He said Jersey people should "expect that every home is built to a good standard and size".

"This new guidance does take a step in the right direction, with better consideration given to circulation space not taking up any of the minimum living space," he said.

"However it still allows for units that are too small and that can easily become over occupied.

"With high targets to build enough new homes for our islanders' needs, we have allowed developers to fill these numbers with rabbit hutch-sized apartments."