Review of the Urban and Rural Area Plans
On 16th January 2012 the Environment Department commences a review of the Development Plans for the island, the Urban and Rural Area Plans.
SEND US YOUR COMMENTS ON THE 'BIG ISSUES'
The Environment Department is inviting comments on a series of 'Big Issues' through a series of topic papers - six in all - which are available free of charge to interested members of the public.
The Big Issues are the key considerations of the Plan Review process and the Environment Department would like to get as many people's opinions as possible about the issues posed.
If you want to have a say in how the Island will develop over the coming years this is an important time to become involved.
The issues covered by the Topic Papers are:
Copies of the 'Big Issues' Topic Papers (including response forms) can be downloaded above by clicking on the PDF links. You can also collect a copy from one of our Plan Review information sessions (see below for further information), from the Environment Department reception desk at Sir Charles Frossard House, or by emailing planreview@gov.gg.
Information Sessions
In January and February the Environment Department will be holding a number of information sessions to introduce the Plan Review and encourage Islanders to get involved in the Review of the Development Plans. They are open sessions and anyone can attend.
Plan Review Launch info session 1: Thursday 19th January 2012 1pm - 5pm Inner Market Building, St Peter Port
Plan Review Launch info session 2: Friday 20th January 2012 9am-1pm Inner Market Building, St Peter Port
Plan Review Launch info session 3: Saturday 18th February 2012 10am-12.30pm Le Friquet Garden Centre
Plan Review Launch info session 4: Saturday 25th February 2012 10am-12.30pm St Martins Community Centre
Staying Informed
The Department has produced a 'Community Guide to the Plan Review' which provides further information on the Review, how to access documents and how Islanders can expect to be consulted. A general leaflet is also available. Both can be downloaded below:
Alternatively you can collect copies from the Environment Department reception desk at Sir Charles Frossard House.
A wide range of groups and organisations will be contacted directly by the Environment Department for the comments. A full list of consultees is available in the 'Community Guide to the Plan Review'.
If you would like to register for Plan Review updates by email, please send your name and email address to planreview@gov.gg and we add your to the consultee list.
You can also follow us on Twitter @planreviewgsy
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the purpose of a Development Plan?
A Development Plan is effectively a blueprint for the planning and development of Guernsey which, if approved by the States, will form the basis on which the Environment Department will consider planning applications.
Why are the Development Plans being reviewed?
The Plans need to be reviewed to ensure that they are fit for purpose to serve the Island over the coming years.
In addition, Development Plans for the Island must be in line with the new Strategic Land Use Plan, a statutory document put in place by the Policy Council of the States of Guernsey, which was adopted in November 2011.
The Review process will take two to three years. While this may seem like a long time, this is to ensure that the Department is able to carry out necessary research and that the public have sufficient opportunity to be involved in the Review. The Review will include an Inquiry into the new Plan(s) by an independent Planning Inspector.
It should be noted that the Plan Review will not change how planning applications are considered now. Until the Plan Review is complete and the new policies are formally approved by the States (envisaged in 2014), current Development Plans and policies remain in force and planning applications will continue to be determined according to those policies.
Read the current Development Plans for the Island
Read the
Strategic Land Use Plan [1Mb] (Policy Council document)
Public Consultation
Extensive public consultation is integral to the Development Plan drafting process. This is to ensure that as many people as possible have their say about the future development of the Island and complements other information and research findings.
There will be three main consultation stages during the Plan Review. Environmental Assessment of policies and proposals will be carried out throughout the Review process.
- General Topics: This stage. Comments are invited on the 'Big Issues' Topic Papers until the 16th March 2012
- Key Issues & Options: Comments on the General Topic Papers used to inform the production of more focused Issues Papers. The Environment Department will invite further comments at this stage.
- Draft Plan and Public Inquiry: The Environment Department publishes the Draft Plan. Representations can be submitted to an Independent Planning Inquiry.
If you have any queries or would like further information please email planreview@gov.gg.
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