Anyone with concerns about proposed changes to the island’s planning laws have until Monday to make their feelings known ahead of formal public hearings starting.
Feedback is again being invited on the proposals to change the Island Development Plan by the Development & Planning Authority.
But that feedback can only be submitted based on the revised plans and previous comments made by the public and the DPA – not new observations.
The focused review has been ongoing since last June and is seeking to improve housing delivery by identifying new sites to boost supply.
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.
Deputy Marc Lainé, Vice-President of the DPA, said “it’s vital that the updated IDP reflects the views of islanders.
“The Island Development Plan is a hugely significant document saying what can be built where and plays an instrumental role in deciding whether or not a planning application should be approved.
“While there are still a number of steps to take before the updated IDP will come into effect, this is the last chance for public input into the IDP Review. Please make sure that you share your views before it’s too late, so that your voice is heard.”
Keith Holland, the independent planning inspector scrutinising the changes, said those interested should carefully consider what has already come forward in the consultations.
“I look forwarding to conducting the public hearing to discuss the proposals that have been further developed by the DPA in order to address the comments made in the written responses to the earlier public consultation exercises,” he said.
“Those comments received will assist me in focusing the hearing sessions on the issues that matter most to the island community.”
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.
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 223441 or emailing Planning.Inquiries@gov.gg.