Anyone wanting to comment on proposed changes to the laws that guide planning and development across Guernsey has one final chance to do so.
Feedback is again being invited on proposals to change the Island Development Plan by the Development & Planning Authority.
But feedback can only be submitted based on revised plans and comments made by the DPA – not new observations.
It’s the final stage in a process which has run since last June and has been extended into the new political term.
The DPA has already twice commented on public submissions and has revised its position, including on the number, location and scale of new affordable housing sites.
Comments can be made up to 13 October – after which an independent planning expert will host public hearings and then make recommendations to the DPA.
How to comment
All the proposed changes to the IDP, and all comments from members of the public and the DPA, are available to read HERE where islanders can provide further final representations on or before 17:00 on 13 October.
Alternatively, people can have their say using a paper form available from the webpage or from Edward T Wheadon House, Le Truchot.
If you need any help having your say on these proposals, please contact the Planning Inquiry team by calling 01481 223441 or emailing Planning.Inquiries@gov.gg.
Deputy Yvonne Burford, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said any and all comments on the plans are welcome.
“We’re keen to press ahead with the focused review of the IDP as soon as possible to ensure that there is enough land allocated for the development of private housing, affordable housing and businesses,” she said.
Keith Holland, the independent planning inspector scrutinising the changes, said those interested should carefully consider what has already come forward in the consultations.
“I appreciate many islanders have already invested a considerable amount of time and effort in sharing their views to date, which has proved most informative,” he said.
“Nonetheless, it remains critical to engage in this final consultation so that we might move confidently towards the Inquiry hearings, secure in the knowledge that we have received a wide and balanced range of viewpoints on which to base discussions.”
The DPA will decide whether to accept or reject the recommendations made by Mr Holland.
Final reforms to planning laws will then be drawn up and put before the States Assembly who will have the final say on what’s included.