Half of future Waterfront homes must be affordable

Thursday, 27 June 2024 11:00

Image of previous plans for 1,000 homes that were refused. Credit: States of Jersey Development Company

Politicians have unanimously agreed that the majority of future new homes on Jersey's Waterfront must be for first and last-time buyers.

At least 15% of future Jersey Development Company homes must be earmarked to support right-sizing, where people downsize to a house or apartment suitable to their needs, typically when their children have grown up and fled the nest.

1 in 4 households currently under-occupy their homes, according to recent data.

The vote was unanimously in favour of the proposition brought by Deputy Helen Miles, who also successfully asked that at least 50% of new-builds on the Waterfront be for first-time buyers on assisted purchase schemes.

A recent planning application for 1,000 new homes there was rejected.

READ: Waterfront plans refused

Deputy Miles said a great deal of time and money has already been spent on an unpopular Waterfront scheme.

"If we're to change the outcome next time, I believe we've got to change the brief to which the States of Jersey Development Company is working.

"We need a community-led development and an agreement that there is an intent to deliver a scheme that delivers different housing, less height, less density, fewer rabbit hutches, more suitable right-sizing products. One that I would like to buy."

Housing Minister Sam Mezec thanked Deputy Miles for helping the Assembly get to this point and said he is pleased to support the idea.

"After many years of feeling like I've been banging my head on a brick wall, on this subject, that bruise on my forehead is getting lighter now."