The Assembly backed the Environment Minister’s chosen policies in the ongoing Bridging Island Plan debate, and rejected a proposed change by St. Peter Deputy Rowland Huelin to allow the replacement of old sash window frames with modern equivalents.
The approved policy allows demolition where a building cannot be repaired or where there are “overriding public policy objectives” such as the “provision of strategic infrastructure.”
A number of ‘conservation areas’ around the island are also proposed in the plan. These will have extra protection but the Minister, Deputy Young Young, was keen to stress that purpose of them is not to prevent development but to protect the areas from harm and improve their character and appearance.
“There will be a need to pay special attention to the impact of new development proposals on the distinctive qualities, local identity, sense of place and settings of conversation areas,” he said.
It is proposed that the first conservation areas will be within the historic areas of St. Helier and then at least four will be chosen following consultation over the course of the BIP – up to 2025 – from St. Aubin; around the parish churches of Grouville, St. Lawrence, St. Martin, Trinity, St. Ouen, St. Peter and St. Clement; Gorey Village and Pier; and Rozel Harbour.
When it comes to the controversial issue of doors and windows in listed buildings within these areas, the BIP says: “…those which are of significance or special interest, or which contribute to the character of the conservation area should be repaired using materials and detailing to match the existing.
“Proposals for the replacement of modern glazing in historic windows with double glazing will be supported where it can be accommodated within the existing window or door joinery frames; or within a like-for-like frame.”
In the States on Tuesday, Members also approved extending the ‘Green Backdrop Zone’ – a planning protection – to land overlooking Ouaisné.
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