Businesses say red tape cut could boost building

Businesses have welcomed the relaxation of planning regulations in Jersey which they say will help bring more affordable homes to the market.

Planning and Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, is removing the 3,000 sq ft (279 sq m) floorspace limit on new residential developments, which was introduced by the previous administration.

He also said there would be more flexibility regarding changes to windows and doors in certain listed buildings in Jersey.

Ben Cairney, the director of Ashby Construction Ltd, said: "I think it's amazing that it [floorspace limit] has been removed and it'll really help the industry at a time when it needs a little bit of a spring in its step."

"Reduction in red tape will help with not only boosting the industry but bringing houses to the market that are more affordable because time is money," he added.

The chief commercial officer of bank and mortgage lender Skipton International, Charlotte Dunsterville, said: "One of the key issues we have across the Channel Islands is the availability of housing.

"So I think anything that relaxes planning a bit, within the right framework, and makes it easier for us to build can only be a good thing," she said.

Planning consultant and chartered planner, Stephanie Steedman of Steedman Planning, said the big challenge was the cost of building.

She said "planning gets it in the neck" if schemes stalled or took longer to get to approval.

"I think the department has done a marvellous job of addressing all the concerns with the Industry Partnership Board."

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