Wednesday 25 May 2022
A detailed planning application for 91 new homes has been submitted by Guernsey Housing Association for the Fontaine Vinery land, which is owned by the States.
These properties will be a mix of social rental and partial ownership targeted at aspiring first time buyers and homes for keyworkers needed to support the island's health service. This development will begin to tackle the current pressing need to supply more new homes to the many people in the island requiring accommodation.
The application has been submitted to the Development & Planning Authority and will be published by the Planning Service in due course.
If planning permission can be obtained within the next six months, construction could start in spring 2023 with the first homes being completed by summer 2024. The housing will be completed and occupied in phases.
In response to any concerns about traffic in that area of the island, the design includes provision for a bus route through the development which would allow buses to return to the east coast and onwards to St Peter Port or the Bridge. There is also a new cycleway and footpath linking Le Murier through the site and onto Victoria Avenue. The aim is to promote people cycling, walking and using the bus rather than cars, for the benefit of everyone.
The GHA's plans also include potential car sharing, with the public able to hire a car for a short period using an App to save them having to buy a car. This kind of App is very successful in many other jurisdictions and can reduce the number of cars parked occupying valuable land.
The design is a mix of two-storey houses with some three-storey one-bedroom apartments to give variation and make good use of the land.
The development aims to house single people, couples and some families with 50% of the homes being one-bed apartments, 30% two-bedroom houses, and 20% three-bedroom houses, plus three four-bed houses, as this reflects the waiting lists for rental and partial ownership. Properties are all offered to local residents, many of whom may already be living in the parish, but in overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation.
A tender process for local contractors capable of building 91 homes will start in due course. Until then the build costs are estimates and remain commercially sensitive.
Steve Williams, Chief Executive at GHA, said:
'After an extensive design process we are delighted that our architects Create have submitted the planning application, and we can make real progress towards meeting the housing needs of people in the island who cannot afford or find suitable accommodation.'
Deputy Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment and Social Security, said:
'I'm really excited by the plans for this site which place a real focus on improved travel options and amenity value for future residents, as well as making significant inroads into meeting the island's affordable housing requirements.'
