Owners of run down property in Guernsey could be served 'improvement' notices

Monday, 24 February 2025 10:25

Guernsey's Planning Authority now has the power to issues notices to owners of buildings or land deemed to be a blot on the landscape.

The Development and Planning Authority has the legal power to issue notices to landowners whose property is deemed to drag down the look and tone of an area.

It will say that the appearance of a property or piece of land needs to be improved within a certain period or the owner could face a fine.

It will not apply to derelict greenhouse sites.

Deputy Victoria Oliver, the president of the Development & Planning Authority, says unsightly buildings can spoil Guernsey's beauty:

“I’m not talking about buildings which might be in need of a fresh lick of paint or a property in need of minor repairs, I’m talking about the real blots on our landscape which we are all too well aware of.

“For the first time, we are now able to issue an improvement notice to rectify the problem, bringing revitalisation to certain areas of our island and preventing the creation of eyesores in the future."

"We will do this sparingly and proportionately where there is a significant impact on the appearance of an area to bring the greatest benefit to our beautiful island.”