Friday 04 October 2019
On Tuesday 1st October, the Development & Planning Authority (D&PA) held a workshop on Community Plans, which was organised as part of the Action Plan published earlier this year.
The main aim of the workshop was to get members of the community discussing the possibilities and opportunities a Community Plan could create.
Representatives from across the community, including but not limited to the Douzaines, School Committees, Guernsey Bicycle Group, La Société Guernesiaise, and Chamber of Commerce were invited to intend.
Deputy Tindall, President of the Development & Planning Authority, welcomed everyone to the workshop before the Planning Service explained how Community Plans can work.
Having heard the basics on Community Plans, David Falla, Chamber of Commerce Industry Lead for Infrastructure, then spoke about his experience of creating a Community Plan for St Peter Port, The Bridge and St Sampson. Concentrating on St Peter Port, David explained the foundations of the vision and the five key themes for the area which underpinned their Community Plan. He also shared his recommendations on how best to start a Community Plan.
It was then the chance for attendees to create their own Plan. Each table was given a Local Centre (Cobo, Forest, L'Aumone, L'Islet, St Martins, St Peters) and were asked initially to come up with their five shared values such as 'Enhancing accessibility for all to the beach' and 'Enhancing the opportunity for retail and community amenities'. The next stage was exploring what could be included in a Community Plan and then, using a large map and various objects, start putting the ideas into a Plan. At the end, all those who wanted to carry on with the discussion and join a group for a pilot Community Plan, were asked to express their interest in doing so to the Planning Service.
Deputy Dawn Tindall, President of the Development & Planning Authority, said:
"I was delighted to see so many people attend our workshop on Community Plans, it was a great success. The diverse group allowed us to have some open and honest conversations on a range of topics, including traffic flow, whether pedestrians and other road users should be given more priority and the need for amenities in each area. Local Centres were used for this activity, but it is important to remember that Community Plans can be created in a wide variety of area of differing sizes.
"These conversations between diverse members of the community was of great benefit to all there but especially for us at the D&PA. It was good to hear and understand the topics that came up in these initial conversations so that we can help address any concerns and take advantage of opportunities.
"I'd like to thank everyone that attended for their time and contribution to the workshop and encourage them to submit an expression of interest for a pilot Community Plan to planning@gov.gg"
Revd Daniel Foot, Rector of St Martin's Church, said:
"I found the community planning workshop hugely inspiring and came away feeling that we would have the tools and support to make a real positive difference in our community. I am thoroughly excited about some of the ideas that where discussed for St Martin's parish and look forward to presenting some of these to the States very soon."
Aaron Davies, Service Lead for Voice at the Youth Commissions, said:
"It has been great to see young people and their voices being listened to and to see future generations involved in the initial discussion around what shape their local communities might take in the future. We know the next generation are so key to the future environmental landscape and we would like to thank the team for inviting the Chair and Vice Chair of the Youth Forum to be a part of the workshop and ensuring that young people are truly engaged with the community planning process."
The focus of the next presentation from the D&PA will be on representations, including the best way to have your say and what the representations need to cover in order to be considered. This is taking place on Tuesday 12th November from 17:30 - 19:00 and more information will be made available shortly.
