In a strategic move that could pique the interest of investors and developers, Guernsey’s Development and Planning Authority (DPA) is actively seeking potential sites for housing and employment-related constructions. This initiative is part of a comprehensive review of the Island Development Plan (IDP), which outlines the island’s spatial usage policies.

The DPA’s primary focus is to identify suitable locations for housing and “employment uses” to cater to the island’s growing needs over the next decade. While the preference is for sites within or near the Main or Local Centres as defined in the IDP, the authority is open to considering locations outside these zones if the need arises.

For potential investors, the criteria for housing sites are a minimum area of 0.25 acres, capable of accommodating at least five dwellings. On the other hand, employment lands, encompassing offices, industrial spaces, and storage facilities, have no specific size requirements. However, it’s crucial for investors to secure permission from landowners before proposing any site.

Deputy Victoria Oliver, DPA President, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our goal is to ensure we have adequate land to meet our housing and employment needs. We aim to prioritize development in the Main and Local Centres. Only if there’s a shortage of land in these areas will we explore other locations, with a conscious effort to preserve greenfield sites.”

The deadline for site submissions is set for 13 October, offering a window of opportunity for developers and investors to be part of Guernsey’s growth story. The DPA’s proactive approach signals a promising future for real estate development in the region, making it an attractive proposition for global investors.