'All new homes need parking' policy rows continue

Harry Trower of Broadlands says the policy is a "poor decision"

A proposed policy requiring every new home built in Jersey to include a parking space has drawn strong criticism.

Critics are warning the blanket requirement would increase housing costs, add traffic to the town centre, and undermine the island's efforts to promote sustainable transport.

Harry Trower, director of Broadlands Estate Agents, called the plan "counterproductive," noting that many apartments in town already had parking.

Supporters of the policy, including Constable Simon Crowcroft, argued that residents in the town need parking for themselves, visitors, and essential care services.

Nick Perchard-Rees said mandating parking "takes away choice from people"

Mr Trower said: "There are plenty of apartments to buy with parking at the moment. We don't actually need more."

He also said adding parking to new developments could push more cars into St Helier at a time when pedestrianisation projects were under way and pollution levels around school drop-offs were falling.

"This policy will only increase traffic and costs at a time when affordability is already a problem," he said.

Nick Perchard-Rees, CEO of electric vehicle hire firm EVie, added that the policy took a step backwards on sustainable transport and penalised residents who chose not to own a car.

He said: "Mandating this takes away choice from people and burdens them with additional costs.

"Most people in St Helier don't need a car. They rely on public transport, active travel, and shared options for occasional trips."

Constable Simon Crowcroft says town residents had the right to own a car and park it

Simon Crowcroft, said residents in the town needed parking for themselves, visitors, and essential care services; and were going to park on the street or "join a residents' parking scheme with a three-year waiting list".

He said: "People living in town have as much right to own a car as anyone else on the island. It's not just about the residents themselves - they need parking for visitors and care services too."

The Romeril site redevelopment near the Town Hall illustrates the pressures on town parking.

Of 53 planned units, only 18 parking spaces are currently included - something Crowcroft described as "unsatisfactory."

While the policy aimed to address practical parking concerns amid growing vehicle numbers, critics said it could push up housing costs, putting extra pressure on first-time buyers.

Mr Trower noted a parking space in a town apartment could add between £50,000 and £70,000 to the price, further limiting affordability.

"What we should focus on is smaller, affordable homes, and perhaps incentives like e-bike grants to reduce reliance on cars," he said.

As Jersey considers its next steps, the debate highlights the tension between ensuring residents can park, keeping housing affordable, and supporting greener, more sustainable transport choices.