Tuesday 18 October 2022
The Development & Planning Authority (DPA) has submitted a policy letter asking the States to give the Authority permission to serve civil notices to land owners and occupiers to improve the condition of their land where it is adversely affecting the amenity of an area.
This would include, but would not be limited to, land which is in an unsightly condition, and could include redundant hotel sites, derelict premises in town and other known eyesores across the island.
Section 46 of the Land Planning and Development (Guernsey) Law, 2005, permits the States to allow for the control of the use of land by Ordinance.
Similar provisions already exist in Alderney, Jersey, England and Wales.
Enabling opportunities for regeneration is a workstream within the Government Work Plan and spatial planning is a key enabler of this. These powers will enable the Authority to make the best and most efficient use of land which currently detracts from the amenity of an area.
Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the DPA, said:
"We've already produced a Development Framework for three Regeneration Areas in St. Peter Port but having these powers would enable us to make sure that the limited space on our island is being put to best use. There are existing provisions in place for this, but they don't deal with unsightly land in a comprehensive way."
"Islanders and visitors already enjoy the beauty of our island, but we're all aware of sites which spoil our otherwise picturesque scenery. As well as making the most efficient use of our space, this would be an opportunity to further improve the charm of our island and deter the creation of more eyesores."
This would not apply to redundant greenhouses and related structures, as other measures already exist under the Planning Law to encourage removal of these structures.
