Development decision paves way for up to 600 homes
The States has approved guidelines for two new potential development sites in St Peter Port, paving the way for between 400 and 600 new homes.
The Development and Planning Authority (DPA) granted development frameworks allowing residential development on the sites at La Vrangue and Pitronnerie Road.
The development frameworks outline the broad principles for development on the sites, but planning permission would still be needed by potential property developers.
The DPA said: "Development of the two sites will help to meet the clear need for additional housing in Guernsey with the types and sizes of homes required."
The proposals have already been through a 12-week consultation period, with 19 members of the public giving their opinions on the impact of the proposed sites on areas including traffic and the environment.
Deputy Victoria Oliver, President of the DPA, said: "La Vrangue is a housing allocation site and both this and the Pitronnerie Road site are within the St Peter Port Main Centre Outer Area and are not designated as Important Open Land.
"In principle therefore both sites can be developed for residential purposes to help meet the Island’s housing needs."
Any specific development proposals will still need planning permission and will be publicised and considered in the normal way.
In March 2023 the States agreed targets to create 1,565 news homes before the end of 2027.
Ms Oliver, said: "We are here to be enablers and not blockers, and development frameworks help us to do just that, paving the way for the right types of developments to come forward to help address our need for housing.
"The development frameworks will ensure that proposals are designed to create sustainable neighbourhoods with a strong sense of place, and with good connectivity to the surrounding area."
Development frameworks are guidelines the States creates to set out how proposed development sites should be used, before any actual planning applications are made.
They may outline whether the new site can be used for residential or commercial properties, or how much affordable housing should be built.
A development framework is required for residential developments of 30 or more homes in more-populated areas or 15 homes in rural areas.
They are also required for other forms of development.
Development frameworks are not planning applications and do not automatically mean planning permission will be granted.
They were introduced to Guernsey in 2016 as part of the Island Development Plan 2016.
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