Islanders interested in finding out more about how they might be able to build extensions or wings for grown-up children or elderly parents are being invited to a drop-in event with the Planning Service.
The drop-in is taking place from 10:00-12:00 on Saturday 30th May at the Castel Douzaine Room.
Planning Service staff will be available to explain how existing policies might be able to support islanders’ plans and to help appropriate development move forward.
Members of the public can drop-in anytime during the event.
Any photos, sketches or ideas that islanders already have may be helpful to bring along, but this is not compulsory.
Multi-generational living, where two or more adult generations in one family live in the same home, can have a number of benefits including helping to combat loneliness and saving money, while still providing a degree of independence.
This can involve everyone living together as one family in a home, as long as the property isn’t subdivided without permission. Multigenerational living can also involve family living in an extension or an outbuilding, sometimes referred to as a dower unit.
Under Policy GP13 in the current Island Development Plan, proposals to alter or extend a residential property will be supported by the Development & Planning Authority (DPA), provided certain limited criteria are met, including that it doesn’t negatively affect neighbours or the special interest of a Conservation Area, Area of Biodiversity Importance or protected buildings/monuments.
Extensions or outbuildings can even sometimes be created without the need for planning permission, as long as it meets the criteria for the exemption for an extension or outbuilding.
Other works, such as making changes to an existing outbuilding, may require planning permission but may still be permitted. Please note that, even if something is exempt from the need for planning permission, it may still require approval from Building Control.
Anyone needing advice on planning matters, including multi-generational living, can also email planning@gov.gg.
More information is also available at gov.gg/multigenliving.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the DPA, said: “Since we made an announcement earlier this year about our support for multigenerational living, we’ve had a number of people express an interest in finding out how they might be able to create a space for grown-up children or parents, supporting what we were hearing anecdotally.
“This is one of those areas where people might not realise what they are able to do,
and that is what this drop-in is about.
“Even if you’re only in the very early stages of thinking about development you might like to carry out, I’d encourage you to come along for a conversation to help you on your way.”