Deputy Peter Roffey

As President of the Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS), Deputy Peter Roffey is responsible for the island’s social housing stock. He is also a key member of the Housing Action Group (HAG) that is looking to tackle the island’s housing shortage. He spoke to us about his concerns and hopes for islanders requiring affordable accommodation.

During Deputy Peter Roffey’s decades in the States of Guernsey, he has never been one to shy away from taking action. From implementing the island’s ground-breaking smoking ban to supporting the purchase of Aurigny, he’s somebody who gets things done. So the recent pause in the Guernsey Housing Association’s (GHA) push to build more social housing in the island was a frustrating one for him.

“As the only option for those who can’t rent or buy in the private sector, social housing is always incredibly important, but at the moment it feels like it’s going to be even more crucial for a substantial part of the population. That’s why it’s such a shame that we’re going to have so few properties coming online in the very near future to support those individuals and families.”

That lack of properties dates back a few years when, following a spate of activity, the GHA couldn’t locate any suitable, or affordable, sites to purchase. The States recognised the issue and in 2021 committed £32.6m to deliver the Affordable Housing Development Programme. Since then HAG and ESS have been busy securing sites, working closely with Policy & Resources and delivery partner the GHA.

“They had a vibrant building programme but had no sites in the pipeline. The focus therefore had to be on securing sites, and with the support of the States we have done that. However, the break has meant that there are very few homes that are coming online in the near future, and I’m concerned for the people who need those properties.”

The recent major acquisitions have included sites such as Parc Le Lacheur (formerly Kenilworth Vinery) and the Guernsey Business Park. For those purchases, Deputy Roffey believes Policy GP11 has been a real benefit. GP11 requires that proposals for significant new housing developments provide a proportion of the developable area for affordable housing.

“GP11 has made these very expensive sites more affordable, as they are effectively discounted by 30% to allow for that social housing element. The valuation gets factored in to the purchase price for us and helps us access these vital sites. However, I hope that there will be more private developments that also provide the social housing percentage through GP11, such as the major upcoming projects at Leale’s Yard and Pointues Rocques.”

THE PROJECTS

With the support of the States of Guernsey, the GHA has some exciting projects in planning, with more potentially in the pipeline…

Parc Le Lacheur, St Sampson’s

Formerly known as Kenilworth Vinery, a planning application for 131 new homes has been submitted for the area. The properties would be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for social rental and partial ownership for local residents.

Fontaine Vinery, St Sampson’s

91 homes are planned for the Fontaine Vinery land, which is owned by the States. The properties would be a mix of social rental and partial ownership targeted at aspiring first time buyers and homes for keyworkers needed to support the island’s health service.

Former CI Tyres site, St Peter Port

This empty plot near Sir Charles Frossard House is earmarked for key worker accommodation. Planning approval is already in place for 17 housing units on the plot, with adjustments to the plans to increase the number of units under consideration.

Guernsey Business Park, Vale

La Vieille Plage, St Sampson’s

The GHA bought the Guernsey Business Park for £4.75m earlier this year, and plans to apply to develop it for affordable housing. The 16-acre site is located off Route Militaire, with excellent potential for a mixed development of key worker, social rental and partial ownership properties. Early predictions suggest it could accommodate about 190 homes.

Work is due to start next year on this L’Islet development of new purposebuilt accommodation for 14 adults with learning disabilities. A joint venture between HSC, ESS and the GHA, it will enable high-quality supported living facilities to be delivered in a cost-effective manner.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Deputy Roffey’s department is currently researching two important issues, both of which he expects to report back on early next year.

Transfer of States housing to GHA

ESS and P&R are currently considering the transfer of States Housing to the GHA, subject to detailed work on the practicalities, including a stock survey and valuation.

“From the point of view of tenants this could be quite a good move as potentially the properties will be upgraded more quickly than if they remain as States’ housing stock. But we need to be very sure of the finances of it – it would clearly bring in a good capital sum but we would then lose the significant rental income stream from those properties.”

This work should be completed early next year, with a policy letter potentially lodged early in 2023 depending on the outcome of the investigation.

75% scheme for first time buyers

Deputy Roffey put forward the scheme to the Government work plan with the idea of making home ownership more viable for islanders. His idea was to reach those who couldn’t afford full market price, but had a higher income than those using the partial ownership scheme.

“I’m really happy about the idea of some new units in development going down that route as a complement to social housing. My reservations, however, would be on social housing units being sold off in that way. I would be very reluctant to sell off existing stock until we’re on top of the supply issue.”

The policy letter is now with officers and should be brought to the States in 2023.