Wednesday 04 September 2013
As previously publicised the Environment Department is carrying out a second stage of public consultation as part of the Review of the Island's Development Plans. This phase of consultation will run until 13 September 2013.
This is the public's opportunity to give their opinions on a range of topics and options. These include the future of Conservation Areas, the future of shopping in Town and the Bridge, the future of redundant vineries, what our local centres should be, and, how our most special habitats should be protected. It is also an opportunity for the Department to publish the findings of the evidence it has gathered. The Key Messages, Issues and Options booklet sets out the consultation in full and the feedback, along with the evidence based reports, will inform the preparation of planning policy in the draft Island Development Plan. Please note that the options within the booklet are intended to prompt thought and discussion and do not represent any agreed course of action or policy direction.
This stage of public consultation also includes a 'Call for Sites'. This is an important opportunity for residents, landowners and organisations to suggest land in Guernsey which is, in principle, available for development over the next 10 years. Sites must fit with the States agreed spatial strategy, which is set out in the Strategic Land Use Plan, so must be located in or around Main and Local Centres. Submission of a site through this process will feed into the assessment of what land may be potentially available and suitable for development so that the most appropriate sites can be considered as part of the Plan Review process as it moves forward.
Some Islanders have already taken up the opportunity to tell the Department about land within the Main and potential Local Centres and the Department would now like to remind landowners that they have until the 13 September to respond to the 'Call for Sites'. The Department is particularly urging those with land in and around the Main Centres of St Peter Port and St Sampson's/Vale to come forward. In previous Plan Reviews sites have come forward towards the end of the process and so people may be thinking that they can wait until the next stage. The Department would like to reiterate that it is important that people let us know about their aspirations to develop their land as part of this consultation so it has a better understanding of how much land is potentially available and where, to help it formulate draft planning policies. However, as previously stated, it is important to be aware that the assessment of a site through this process does not mean that the site will necessarily be allocated for development in the new Plan or that planning permission will be granted for development. Please note that information submitted to the 'Call for Sites', excluding personal contact details, will be published as part of the next stage of the Plan making process or as part of the process of adopting the Plan.
The Environment Department welcomes any comments or submission by e-mail at planreview@gov.gg or in writing to the Environment Department. Copies of the booklet 'Key Messages, Issues and Options', and the 'Call for Sites' guidance and submission forms can be downloaded from the States of Guernsey website page www.gov.gg/planreview or you can collect copies from the Environment Department reception at Sir Charles Frossard House. The supporting Evidence Reports can also be downloaded from www.gov.gg/planreview. Anyone requiring assistance to complete the forms can phone the Forward Planning Team on 717200, or call into reception.
All responses and comments on the Key Messages, Issues and Options and submissions for the 'Call for Sites' should be received before 5pm on 13 September 2013.
Contact Information:
Forward Planning Team
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
