Monday 29 July 2013
The Environment Department began a formal review of the Island's Development Plans, the Rural Area Plan and the Urban Area Plan, in January 2012. From the outset, the Department recognised the importance of public consultation in the process so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to have their say about the future development of the Island.
A first stage of public consultation was carried out in 2012 and the results of this, together with research results and other information gathered have contributed to a series of evidence reports produced by the Department.
The Environment Department is now 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 and is an opportunity for the Department to give information about some of the evidence it has gathered and for Islanders to have their say about some of the key messages and issues which have emerged.
Over the next two weeks, from 29 July until 10 August 2013 the Department's staff will be providing information at informal drop in sessions at a number of locations around the Island and would be pleased to meet anyone who wishes to come along to answer any questions, to explain the plan review process and to discuss any views people may have. The details of the informal drop in sessions can be found on the Department's website at http://www.gov.gg/planreview or by telephoning the Environment Department.
A booklet has been produced by the Department which summarises the key messages and issues which have emerged, principally relating to Main and Local Centres, Housing, Employment, the Natural and Built Environment and Open Space and Recreation. This consultation also suggests some potential options for tackling some of the issues. However, it is important to understand that the Department has included the possible options to stimulate thought and discussion and they do not represent any agreed or chosen course of action or policy direction. More detailed information, survey results and facts and figures can also be found in the Evidence Reports which are also available on the Departments website.
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.
In past Plan Reviews, sites have come forward towards the end of the process, through the Public Inquiry, however the Environment Department recognises the importance of gathering this important data at this earlier stage so that as much information as possible is available when it begins to formulate policies in the draft Island Development Plan. However, it is important to be aware that the purpose of the 'Call for Sites' is to see what sites are potentially available for development to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of sites to meet the Island's needs. 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. More information about the 'Call for Sites' can be found in a guidance note produced by the Department and available on its website or from its offices.
The Environment Department welcomes any comments or submission by e-mail at planreview@gov.gg or by 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 http://www.gov.gg/planreview or collect copies from one of the informal drop in sessions or from the Environment Department reception at Sir Charles Frossard House. The supporting Evidence Reports can also be downloaded from www.gov.gg
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:
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
