The Development & Planning Authority will, from 1 September, insist that applications for change of use of land to gardens – known formally as domestic curtilage – are accompanied by information that “demonstrates environmental benefits in respect of biodiversity that will be incorporated following change of use.”
Each week, the Planning Department receives numerous applications to convert agricultural land into domestic use. This has been noticed by politicians on the DPA, who have seen many applications made which benefit the landowner but not the wider environment.
“I am really pleased that the Committee has come up with this initiative to ensure that real benefits accrue to the environment when land is taken into domestic curtilage,” said DPA President Victoria Oliver.
“The Committee was concerned about the amount of land being changed with no real benefit and in some cases negatively impacting the environment.”
If permission is granted, planning conditions will be applied to ensure that the proposed biodiversity enhancements are carried out within a reasonable timescale and then are retained. In some cases, planning covenants may be required to achieve this.
“This is another important step by the D&PA in implementing the Strategy for Nature and protecting the Guernsey we love, whilst helping to ensure that our Island’s biodiversity is enhanced through the land use planning process,” said Deputy Oliver.