Reforms to restrictions on the use of land in Guernsey that have come into effect this week are likely to lead to a more flexible and policy-led approach to changes of use, says Ogier's Planning and construction law specialist Claire Smith.
Changes of the use of land require Planning permission, but the amended rules that came into effect at the start of the week – under The Land Planning and Development (Use Classes) Ordinance, 2017 - have reduced the number of controlled classes from 44 to 28.
The changes follow a consultation that took place at the end of 2015 with the aim of simplifying the rules and procedures, reducing the number of "classes" of land use, creating more flexibility and to align with wider policy objectives.
"In the last 12 months there has been plenty of evidence of willingness to invest in development activity in Guernsey," said Claire.
"Development projects now approved at Leale's Yard and Admiral Park demonstrate that investors see major, long-term projects as sound opportunities, and the changes to these rules are a healthy sign that a flexible, policy-led approach to development opportunities."
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