Multigenerational living is gaining momentum in Guernsey. A recent BBC News article highlighted more families choosing to live together across generations as housing costs rise and care needs increase.
We are seeing the same locally. With limited land supply and high property values, moving house is often not the answer. Instead, homeowners are adapting their existing properties to support changing family needs.
What Is a Dower Unit?
Under the States of Guernsey Planning Advice Notes, a dower unit falls within the definition of ancillary or associated living accommodation. In practical terms, this means accommodation that is related to and subordinate to the main dwelling.
It may form part of the principal house, be physically connected to it, or sit within the garden of the property. While it can be self contained, it must not operate as an independent dwelling. There must be shared facilities and a clear interdependence between the occupants of the unit and the main residence.
Put simply, a dower unit provides a self contained space for a family member that remains functionally and legally part of the main home.
How Planning Authorities Assess Dower Units
Planning officers focus on whether the accommodation is genuinely ancillary.
They consider the size of the unit, its physical connection to the main dwelling, the extent of shared facilities and whether the site could be subdivided. Permissions typically include a condition confirming that the accommodation must remain ancillary.
Proposals that clearly demonstrate dependency, proportionate scale and thoughtful integration are far more likely to gain support.
Different Approaches to Multigenerational Living
The form a dower unit takes will always depend on the site, the existing property and the family’s circumstances.
Follow these links to see more about some of our projects where multigenerational living has been at the forefront of our clients brief:
https://jga.gg/project/mazack/
https://jga.gg/project/les-colombes/
Future Proofing Homes for Changing Needs
One of the most compelling aspects of multigenerational living is its adaptability. A space that begins as accommodation for the wider family may later serve as guest accommodation, workspace or additional family living area.
Designing with long term flexibility in mind through level thresholds, generous circulation space and adaptable layouts ensures the home remains useful for decades rather than years. In Guernsey’s constrained housing market, this type of forward thinking is increasingly valuable.
How JGA Can Help
JGA is currently working on several Guernsey based projects exploring different approaches to multigenerational living.
Our focus is always on creating solutions that are thoughtful, practical and aligned with both our clients’ current and future needs and the planning policy.
If you are considering how your home could be adapted to better support your wider family members now or in the future, we would be pleased to discuss the options and guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
For the latest chatter on this topic, by the President of the Development & Planning Authority, you can read a BBC article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c338xrd8e1go
#Designforyourfuture