Planners look at multigenerational homes support

Guernsey could see a major shift in how families live together, as the States Planning Committee prepares to make it easier to apply to build "dower units" and extensions to enable more generations of the same family to live under one roof.

Deputy Neil Inder said such a scheme already existed but too few people realised they could build a self‑contained unit on their property for an older relative, an adult child or another family member.

He said such builds could ease housing pressures by helping older relatives be independent for longer and reducing demand on States‑led care.

He added it also offered young islanders a way to return home, and could give families more flexible living options.

Under current planning rules, homeowners with enough space can already apply to build an extension, wing or separate unit.

However, Inder said how to apply for such planning and official guidance was often difficult to find and needed to be "repackaged" so ordinary families could understand it.

He also stressed the scheme was not designed to create rental units or boost private income. Any new accommodation would be tied to the family through planning conditions, preventing it from becoming an investment property.

And while many homes could qualify, he said fears of over‑development were misplaced.

He said: "We're not going to build 1,000 houses next week. There aren't hundreds of properties that could suddenly do this."

More details, including clearer guidance and a simplified application process, are expected within the next two months.

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