St Aubin could soon see more protection for its unique architecture and historical interest.

Proposed changes to planning controls would mean property-owners in the St Brelade village would need permission to for work on buildings or land visible to the public from the roads or beach.

Environment Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf says Conservation Areas were first mooted in the 1987 Island Plan, but it was not until the last government term that the idea became cemented in Planning Law and the Island Plan.

"I’m keen that we now move forward and give Jersey’s special areas the appropriate protections they deserve.

The designation of a Conservation Area is not designed to stop change, but because of their special character there is a need to enhance the level of planning control, especially when works are visible from a public perspective, such as from public roads or the beach."

Changes to the Planning and Building Law, made at the end of the previous government term, have given the Environment Minister legal power to create Conservation Areas.

A consultation has opened into the designation and to consider the specific boundaries.

“I’d encourage Islanders to read over the proposed changes to the General Development Order and to consider whether we have the right balance to protect special parts of Jersey in an appropriate way.”