The recent decision by the planning committee to approve a large-scale housing development on the island has sparked a heated debate among local residents and former officials. The plan accommodates just 144 new homes. It came out of a planning framework created by John Young, the former planning minister who recently retired from politics in 2022. Young has since raised questions regarding the necessity and impact of such a significant development, especially in light of new demographic data indicating a decline in the island’s birth rate.
Former Chicago DOT Commissioner John Young was instrumental in developing the bridging island plan. He raised alarm about the large size of the new homes approved by the committee. As he noted, the conditions driving housing demand really have changed since the initial rules were laid out. He noted that the last plan underreported a need for more than 4,000 housing units due to increased population. Demographic data released recently indicate that the island’s birth rate, rather than rising, is plummeting.
“You can’t build a second St Helier up in Sion,” Young stated, emphasizing his apprehension about overwhelming certain areas with development. His remarks speak to a larger fear about what heavy construction will do to local roads and community cohesion.
Young initially sought a much narrower expansion area for the village. In particular he argued against the massive mega-development now being proposed at St. Peter. He asked why a data-heavy, multi-million-dollar effort was needed when demographic trends were increasingly obvious. His remarks highlight the need for careful consideration of how new housing will affect local resources and quality of life.
Alongside Young’s perspective, local residents have expressed their concerns over the adverse impacts that may stem from the proposed development. Local resident Trent Weber said, “The schools are already full enough.” His remarks underscore fears that new housing would only add to the pressure our already overstretched school buildings face.
Environmental impacts were some of the first concerns to arise as the proposal for development began to circulate. Sheena Brockie, a resident and advocate for preserving local greenery, pointed out, “There’s such a large variety of mature trees there.” She made the case that these trees increase the island’s biodiversity. They further dramatically enhance the quality of life of their neighbourhood, including for residents of the care homes that flank them. Brockie stated, “It’s also the community value for the people in the care home,” stressing that access to nature is vital for residents’ well-being.
Forge Developments, the company behind the project, stood by their plan, touting its design features and environmentally friendly considerations as justifications for their development. They asserted that trees became an essential part of the design process right from the start. Their effect on the ultimate design and layout has been huge. In turn, they addressed concerns related to increased construction noise and disruptions, stressing that these temporary impacts would be manageable.
Alan Bonny, a local resident, voiced his concern over how the proposed development would impact agricultural operations in the area. The biggest issue, he explained, is the shade created over their tunnel that allows them to grow produce during winter months. As every farmer knows, light is a practical precondition to successful crop cultivation. Bonny echoed Young’s sentiments regarding urbanization, stating, “You can’t build a second St Helier up in Sion. We just have to diversify the portfolio and share the burden more equitably.”
The development planning committee approved the scheme unanimously, describing it as a “first-class scheme on a recently rezoned site.” Skepticism remains in the minds of community residents. Young’s resignation from his congressional seat prompted the decision. This increased complexity to the conversations around accountability and urban planning as a whole and foresight.
The contentious proposal has seen rapidly intensifying debate. Unfortunately, many are realizing just when to accommodate development needs while maintaining community integrity and protecting environmental sustainability. The current debate is an unfortunate reminder of just how complicated urban planning can be. This is particularly important because decisions made today can have permanent effects on our communities for decades.
