Are the homes being built in Jersey too small?

Tuesday 07 March 2023

Islanders are being asked to give their views on plans to increase the standards for the size of homes built in Jersey and the amount of parking spaces they should have.

Under proposals put forward by Environment Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf, the minimum size of homes would be increased, while car parking provisions may be decreased alongside rises in the amount of available bicycle parking.

Two consultations have been opened - and will run until 17 April - for the public to comment on new draft supplementary planning guidance issued by Deputy Renouf.

Deputy Renouf said: “Given the increasing provision of more compact forms of development, such as one- and two- bedroom flats, there is a greater need to ensure that islanders can still enjoy good levels of space in their homes.

"These standards will ensure that all homes, regardless of their form, offer a good quality of accommodation and space for people to have a good quality of life."

CLICK TO ENLARGE: A comparison of the existing and proposed internal area standards.

The new draft guidance also looks to reflect the island's change in transport policy, which places increased emphasis on encouraging more sustainable forms of travel through means such as bicycle parking. It suggests that in the town centre, there may be circumstances where car-free residential development could be permitted.

Deputy Renouf continued: "There is, of course, a link between the amount of space we provide for parking and the amount of outside space available for residents’ enjoyment. Put crudely, less parking means there is the potential for greater provision of outdoor space – and it is intended that all new developments should move in this direction and that we critically re-examine how much car parking space might be needed in different parts of the Island. In the past, our policies have encouraged car use.

"There is now a clear emphasis in the other direction, and while there is still a need to make provision for cars, where alternative travel is more accessible, the provision of car parking space may be reduced and the need for specific bicycle parking increased. I encourage islanders to comment on both of the consultations as their views will help shape the final draft of the supplementary planning guidance."

GET INVOLVED...

Take part in the minimum size consultation here and the car parking consultation here.

You can also share thoughts by emailing islandplan@gov.je or send post to Draft SPG – public consultation, Place and Spatial Planning, Cabinet Office, Government of Jersey, 19-21 Broad Street, St Helier, JE2 3RR.