Dispute persists over ‘parking for every new home’ policy

A proposal to require every newly-built home in Jersey to include at least one parking space has sparked a fierce debate, amid warnings the move could drive up housing costs and undermine the island’s push for greener transport.

Opponents argue the blanket rule would add tens of thousands of pounds to the cost of new properties, encourage more traffic into St Helier and run counter to efforts to improve public transport and reduce car dependency.

Harry Trower, director at Broadlands Estate Agents, branded the plan “counterproductive”, suggesting there was no shortage of properties with parking in the town already.

“There are plenty of apartments with parking on the market,” he said. “We don’t need to mandate more. This approach will only add to congestion and push up prices when affordability is already stretched.”

Figures in the island’s growing sustainable-mobility sector echoed those concerns. Nick Perchard-Rees, chief executive of electric vehicle hire firm EVie, said compulsory parking would penalise people who rely on public transport, bikes, or shared vehicles.

“Mandating this removes choice and saddles people with additional expense,” he said. “Most town residents don’t need a car — they walk, cycle, use the bus or rent a vehicle as needed.”

But supporters of the measure insist parking remains essential for many households. Constable Simon Crowcroft said residents deserved the same right to own and park a car as those elsewhere on the island, adding that visitors and care providers also require access.

“If parking isn’t provided, people will simply park on-street or join schemes that already have years-long waiting lists,” he said.

The ongoing redevelopment of the Romeril site near the Town Hall — which includes just 18 spaces for 53 apartments — has become a focal point for the debate. Crowcroft labelled the current parking allocation “unsatisfactory”.

Critics counter that increasing parking requirements risks pushing homeownership even further out of reach. Developers say a single parking space can add £50,000-£70,000 to a town apartment's price — a significant burden for first-time buyers.

Instead, opponents suggest Jersey should expand affordable housing and invest in greener travel incentives, such as e-bike schemes and improved public transport.

As ministers weigh the policy, the dispute highlights a broader challenge: balancing the needs of residents who rely on cars with the long-term ambition to create a more sustainable and affordable capital.