The DPA President has praised recently published plans for “unsightly homes”, but many members of the public have already said the plans don’t go far enough.
Last week the States announced new methods to motivate landowners, occupiers and those with buildings which could be considered an eye sore, to spruce up their properties.
It includes fines for allowing sites to fall into disrepair, and charges if the work has to be done on behalf of the landowner.
When this was announced, a number of people voiced their opinions and not all were positive.
Some members of the public queried the limitations of the proposed ‘Land Amenity Improvement Notices’.
It was suggested that the plans should include properties island-wide and not just in St Peter Port as proposed, while others questioned whether or not this included properties and buildings owned by the States of Guernsey.
The Development and Planning Authority President said the LAIN’s would deal with “the real blots on our landscape”.
“We live in a charming island with golden beaches, stunning views and rich history everywhere you go, but sadly Guernsey is also home to a number of sites which spoils its beauty,” said Deputy Victoria Oliver. “I’m not talking about buildings which might be in need of a fresh lick of paint or a property in need of minor repairs, I’m talking about the real blots on our landscape which we are all too well aware of.
“For the first time, we are now able to issue an improvement notice to rectify the problem, bringing revitalisation to certain areas of our island and preventing the creation of eyesores in the future. We will do this sparingly and proportionately where there is a significant impact on the appearance of an area to bring the greatest benefit to our beautiful island.”
What are Land Amenity Improvement Notices?
The States describe LAINs as “a new tool” to address unsightly or derelict land that negatively impacts the pleasantness and appearance of an area, or “amenity”. The Development & Planning Authority (DPA) can now issue a LAIN to a landowner, requiring them to fix the problem within a specified timeframe.
If they fail to do so, it can result in fines, and the DPA can even step in and do the work themselves, then subsequently charging the landowner. However LAINs cannot be used for dwelling houses or their immediate gardens, redundant glasshouses, or removing turf from agricultural land. Landowners have the right to appeal any LAIN, and any that are processed will be kept in public register by the DPA.
This aims to enhance the appearance of an area. However, these notices cannot be used for private homes or gardens. This new power, similar to a process used in England and Wales, follows States approval in 2023, and then legislation in 2024.