Tuesday 25 November 2014
The Chief Minister and members of the Policy Council have set out opportunities for commercial land use in Guernsey. The move comes as progress continues to be made on the Island Development Plan.
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, the Chief Minister said:
"The Island Development Plan remains a high priority, as among other things it will clarify the future use of derelict vineries and glasshouses. However even before the Plan is finalised we have identified a number of opportunities for our Island's small businesses to find industrial space and continue to grow.
"Having discussed these issues with the Environment Minister and the Commerce and Employment Minister, it is clear to me that there are some immediate potential solutions for our local small businesses which should be highlighted and reiterated, so that hopefully those businesses can take advantage of them."
Deputy Yvonne Burford, Minister for the Environment Department said:
"The Environment Department continues to work closely with the Commerce and Employment Department to unlock opportunities for our Island's businesses.
"For example our Department already has Policy EMP7 in the Urban Area Plan and Policy RE7b in the Rural Area Plan in place. The policies for industry were widened significantly in 2010, but these have been little used, and are therefore perhaps little known. But this Policy allows for changes of use for redundant glasshouse sites subject to relevant criteria being met. Working with the Chief Minister and the Commerce and Employment Minister, I want to ensure that these Policies are better-known and better-used.
"In addition to that, three vinery sites were identified and allocated for industrial development under the current plan, but only one of those sites has had applications made and any development occur. As a result there are two sites still available in the rural area which could be suitable for development by small businesses."
Deputy Kevin Stewart, Minister for Commerce and Employment said:
"There are existing solutions for our small businesses, and I am pleased to work with the Environment Minister and her Department to highlight these opportunities for our Island's small businesses.
"We have also discussed the concerns raised about lack of construction in housing, which will be an important driver of continued growth. Over the last two years permissions have been granted for around 700 units of accommodation and the States target number for permissions is 300 per year. In reality only around 150 have been built, which is well below the level possible as extant permissions remain.
"Commerce and Employment will be working with our construction sector and other Departments to investigate the reasons why so many have not been taken up. We will be looking to find ways to encourage development where permissions have already been granted."
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, the Chief Minister said:
"The Policy Council remains focused on supporting economic growth on the Island. As I said at the Chamber of Commerce last week, we cannot be complacent and we must continue to work hard and be flexible in our approach in order to do that.
"Having provided certainty for the Open Market earlier this year, we are also working with SMEs and the construction industry to highlight the potential for commercial land use. What this demonstrates is that even before we conclude major pieces of work such as the Population Management Regime and the Island Development Plan, we are working hard to create an environment to provide commercial opportunity and growth, and we will continue to do so."
ENDS
