Minister hits out over ‘parking space for every home’ plan

A Minister has blasted his fellow politicians for “increasing the price of housing” after they voted in favour requiring new developments to provide a parking space for every unit of accommodation – despite warnings from construction heads that it could cause some projects to be halted.

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel argued that the plan – put forward by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft to combat disadvantages faced by town-dwellers – would make developments less viable and push up costs by reducing the amount of land available for construction.

His comments echoed concerns raised by the Environment Minister, who had previously warned that including a parking space would add £30,000 to £70,000 to the cost of a typical unit of accommodation, equating to extra mortgage payments of between £175 and £410 per month.

During the debate, Deputy Morel quoted a message received from the Jersey Construction Council stating that the move would cause a number of housing projects to be halted as they would become unaffordable.

Taking to social media that evening after the 26-11 vote result, he said: “The States Assembly just voted to increase the price of housing… They can’t stop meddling with planning policy and building regulations.

“[The policy] sounds great on the surface, but in reality, it increases the cost of construction, reduces the available land area for construction and makes developments less likely to go ahead.”

Deputy Morel added that the move ran “opposite” to the goal of improving housing affordability – arguing that “less housing supply equals higher prices”.

Deputy Morel said it was particularly disappointing that the vote came “on a day when the Business Tendency Survey shows just how fragile businesses feel right now”.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and his Deputy, Tom Binet, both also voted against.

The result means that Environment Minister Steve Luce will be required to revise existing planning guidance to ensure that a parking space is provided for every unit of accommodation “where practicable”.

Mr Crowcroft said that existing planning policy was “making it harder and harder for people, particularly in town, to enjoy the right of car ownership”.

Deputy Steve Luce opposed the plans, arguing they would make homes more expensive while also undermining what he descirbed as a “fragile” development industry.

The States Assembly decision to amend the residential parking standards will be a consideration that we will advise our clients about. It will be for Applicants to assess if the new requirements affect their decision to put forward schemes.”