The St Martin’s Community Plan Committee has published a new draft set of development plans, which are open for the next round of public consultation.
They’ve invited all parishioners to comment by 17:00, on Wednesday 8 October 2025 online, via email, or by post.
The previous round of consultation took place in May, earlier this year and feedback from that has been incorporated into the latest plans.
The plan proposes several measures, including creating a ‘Heart of the Community Park’ and enhancing other green spaces and facilities.
They also want to identify locations for new housing, with a focus on affordable and retirement homes, as well as listing further improvements for infrastructure, such as increasing safety and accessibility to footpaths and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to the committee, their plans also have a focus on protecting green areas, promoting biodiversity, and supporting renewable energy.
The plan was initiated last year as a direct response to government proposals for new affordable housing sites under the Island Development Plan (IDP) Review.
A group of parishioners felt that a unified, community-led voice was needed to respond to these plans.
The committee says the community’s engagement has already been significant, with over 200 suggestions submitted and more than 7% of the adult population contributing their views.
If adopted, the St Martin’s Community Plan would serve as ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance’ under the existing Island Development Plan, giving the community a direct say in how future development in the parish is managed.
The Chairman of the Committee, Graham Winn, emphasised that the plan is about more than just housing.
“This plan reflects the passion and priorities of our parish. It is not just about housing, it’s about our quality of life, our green spaces, and our community identity.
Mr Winn continued: “We encourage all parishioners to take part in this consultation so that the final plan truly represents the voice of St Martin.”
The plans have progressed, and narrowed down some of the options across three separate categories, Community, Development, and Transport, and there are some grand plans for some of the dilapidated hotels that sit dormant in the southern parish.
Community Proposals
These proposals, named C1-C13, focus on enhancing existing facilities and creating new public spaces.
Key suggestions include improvements to playgrounds, the creation of an ‘Open Green Space beside School’, and the establishment of a ‘Heart of the Community Park’ in the parish centre.
The plan also details improved footpath connections, particularly along the cliff paths between Les Jaonnet Bay and Saints Road.
Following a previous round of consultation, the proposal for the Longtrac Leisure Opportunity Site was adjusted to ensure no non-agricultural development occurs in that priority area.
Development Proposals
This section, named D1-D16, addresses potential sites for new housing and other uses.
The proposals identify several locations for both affordable and private housing, as well as sites for hospitality and tourism.
A notable adjustment was made after consultation with the Development & Planning Authority, with the removal of the Rue des Caches Affordable Housing Site, which will now be replaced with a site at the School Lane Vinery.
Additionally, a field near the Masonic Temple has been designated for extra housing.
Transport Proposals
The transport proposals (T1-T21) aim to improve road safety, traffic flow, and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
The suggestions include implementing new traffic filters at various junctions, creating dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, and installing new pedestrian crossings.
There are also proposals for improving footpath connectivity throughout the parish and providing additional overflow parking on Route des Coutures.
A future for forgotten hotels
Five hotels in the parish are listed as sites with potential.
The proposals suggest St Martin’s Hotel, St Margaret’s Lodge Hotel, Braye Lodge Hotel and The Chalet Hotel, could all become private housing sites.
Whilst the Bon Port Hotel is proposed as a potential ‘Boutique Hotel/Private Housing Site’, suggesting a potential dual-purpose future.
To have their say, parishioners can submit their views in one of three ways before October’s deadline.
Online, where you can view the Draft Plan, and leave comments via the official website, HERE.
By Email, you can send your comments directly to info@stmartinsconstables.com.
Or by post or in person by collecting a printed copy of the plan from the Constables’ Office at La Grande Rue, St Martin, GY4 6LQ.