Jersey States issues new parking and room space guidance

The guidance has been changed to reflect the needs of modern life in Jersey

Guidance on the number of car and bike parking spaces at new residential developments has been updated for the first time in about 30 years.

The States of Jersey has also updated its policy on the minimum sizes of rooms and private open spaces in new homes.

Information about both was last issued in 1988 and 1994 respectively.

The island's minister for the environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said the changes were "long-awaited".

He said: "The focus of this guidance is to ensure we have high quality, affordable residential accommodation in the island.

"Given our desire to increase walking, cycling and bus use, I have sought to generally reduce the minimum amount of car parking space that developers are required to provide, while still recognising the need for cars for families, and for people with mobility issues.

"I have also established standards for cycle parking provision."

'Dramatic improvement'

The update, which followed a consultation in March, suggests that each two, three and four-bedroom house should now have covered space for two bikes to park.

Requirements vary depending on the sustainable transport zone (STZ) the property is in. Four-beds in STZs four, five and six will be required to have two car parking spaces, as well as three-beds in STZ six.

The recommended internal space needed in all new-build properties has also been increased.

Architect Jane Blakeley told BBC Radio Jersey the new guidance was a "dramatic improvement" but the previous requirements had been too small and "worried" her.

"We've spent 25 years building 13 square metre flats, it's concerning," she added.

Follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].