St Helena : St Helena The Land Disposal Policy explained
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 19.02.2012 (Article Archived on 04.03.2012)
The Land Disposal Policy (for Crown property) sits alongside the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) together with the Housing Strategy, the infrastructure policies and the Tourism Development Plan. These form part of a wider strategy for the island – this being a wealthier and better place to live, work, invest and enjoy spare time.
The Land Disposal Policy explained
The Land Disposal Policy (for Crown property) sits alongside the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) together with the Housing Strategy, the infrastructure policies and the Tourism Development Plan. These form part of a wider strategy for the island – this being a wealthier and better place to live, work, invest and enjoy spare time.
The draft Land Disposal Policy is currently out for consultation until 7th March 2012.
Find out more below about the Land Disposal policy, why we need it and the processes involved.
What is the Land Disposal Policy?
The St Helena Government is moving towards a market led system. The Land Disposal Policy has been drafted to ensure that the Government obtains best value for money for the Island’s assets, which in turn assists with the funding of Government’s other functions.
Why do we need a Land Disposal Policy?
St Helena Government recognises that as the major landowner in St Helena it has a responsibility to ensure that its lands and buildings contribute towards the island’s targets for sustainable growth.
It has therefore sought to establish a framework for the disposal of Crown Land in support of the St. Helena Government’s principles of economic growth through Investment and Tourism development.
SHG will make Crown Land and Buildings available for private and commercial use, so far as it is consistent with the overall need to secure the optimum sustainable use of St. Helena’s natural resources.
How will SHG dispose of its land?
SHG’s preferred method of disposal is by lease. This will enable SHG to benefit from future capital and rental gains, and also retain some protection of the market whilst in its earlier stages. The exception will be for single plots for owner occupation for housing.
Plots of virgin land for the purpose of a single owner-occupied dwelling will be made available on a leasehold basis in the first instance, with the option to purchase the freehold of the property once the development is complete.
How will SHG lease land?
The land will be advertised on the local and international market, as appropriate.
A publicly accessible register will be established to contain a listing of all land released onto the market.
Land will be made available via a tender, auction, or private treaty process. The applicable method will be determined by the Crown Estates Manager, in each individual case and bids will be measured against SHG’s own valuation of the land.
SHG reserves the right not to accept any single tender and to re-advertise the land if it so chooses.
How will SHG dispose of its built assets?
Built assets (including listed buildings) that are no longer required by SHG will be made available on a leasehold basis for up to 99 years. For shorter term leases renewals may be available through negotiation.
The rental level and premium will be sought through a competitive process, including private treaty, tender or auction.
In recognition of the need to promote investment and business growth, incentives may be available at the commencement of the lease, as recommended by the Crown Estates Manager. In recognition of the importance of heritage assets, conditions will apply under the leases of listed buildings to ensure that these buildings are maintained to a satisfactory standard.
What about land for agriculture?
Agriculture is a key sector for the island and SHG has given a commitment to supporting growth in this sector. SHG will therefore not release the freehold of agricultural/forestry land but will instead make land within this category available on a lease or licence system.
Pasture land will be available on a licence basis, arable land will generally be available on a medium-term lease basis and forest land will generally be available on a medium-term lease basis.
What other land will be released for development?
Virgin land for purposes other than the construction of self-build owner-occupied dwellings will generally be made available on a leasehold basis for up to 99 years.
What about affordable land and housing?
SHG is committed to ensure that housing remains affordable for the Island’s population, and has produced a separate Housing Strategy. The Land Disposal Policy will provide such land as is required under the Housing Strategy to achieve this aim.
How does this tie in with the Housing Strategy?
At the moment SHG is identifying land suitable for over 4,000 new homes in the LDCP.
Secondly SHG will be ensuring properly planned approaches to Comprehensive Development Areas (CDAs) and Coastal Village Areas (CVAs), including setting aside between 70-180 housing plots on the island for first time local building as appropriate.
On other larger developments SHG will be making use of ‘planning gain’. This will seek a financial contribution towards affordable housing provision.
SHG will also be encouraging alternative better value methods of construction and carefully considering the feasibility of developing a new Housing Association or similar Registered Provider (RP) which can act as developer and manager of affordable housing for both sale and rent.
Finally, new forms of ownership will be stimulated, most appropriately through the Housing Association or RP model identified above.
When will the Land Disposal Policy be implemented?
This consultation process is due to end on 7th March 2012. It is anticipated that the new Land Disposal Policy will take effect on 1st April 2012. It is one of a number of reforms to Lands on St Helena, which includes the Land Development Control Plan, the Housing Strategy, and the National Conservation Areas strategy.
The following public meetings are planned for next week:
Venue |
Date/Time |
Sandy Bay Community Centre |
Monday 20th February at 7pm |
Jamestown Community Centre |
Tuesday 21st February at 7pm |
Remember! We need your representations by 4pm on Wednesday 7th March 2012.
Planning Team
16 February 2012
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