Planning guidance change for large properties

One of Jersey's oldest estate agencies has welcomed a decision to change planning guidance around the building of large properties.

Supplementary planning guidance was brought in by the previous government to create a number of tests before planning permission was granted to build properties taking up more than 3000 sq ft (279 sq m).

However the guidance was reviewed and then removed by Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce on 10 February, a move criticised by his predecessor, Deputy Jonathan Renouf.

Broadlands estate agency head Roger Trower said the old guidance was "pointless" and made the island "look foolish in the eyes of other people".

Mr Trower said the original guidance was "pointless" because "you can't ask people to not build properties over a certain level and size if they want to do that".

However, Renouf said the change had introduced a "bias in favour of building a number of family homes on a development site, rather than one very large home".

He said there was a shortage of family homes and "widespread public anger at the proliferation of 'mega mansions'".

Mr Trower said: "There is not a shortage of housing.

"There are many, many units that are up for sale, the market is very tough, but I don't think you should make any attempt to dissuade wealth individuals coming to Jersey.

"As long as they are building property, then local craftsmen have got a job. How many more building firms do we want to see go broke?"

In the review by government officers into the guidance, it was acknowledged the basis of the request "has emerged at the request of the Head of High Value Residency Engagement team".

It said concerns had been raised by "three clients who have projects that are directly concerned by the changes; and the uncertainty around the planning process".

In a debate in the States Assembly, Renouf asked Luce: "Does the minister accept that if you fly in on a private jet and give a quarter of a million pounds to the Exchequer then you get to write your own planning guidance?"

Luce said the guidance gave the perception that Jersey was "closed for business".

"I did not have any contact from anybody about this other than one member of government, and I decided on that person's request to have a look at the guidance.

"It was clear to me that this guidance had made no difference whatsoever."

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