GUERNSEY is at risk of losing its industry unless more affordable sites are made available, according to Confederation of Guernsey Industry chairman Peter Budwin.

He said the shortage of industrial land was a long-term issue.

‘We have been campaigning for many years for more sites. Some are available, but they are just too expensive for small industry.’

He wants Belgrave Vinery industrial area expanded by an acre, as proposed in an amendment to the Urban Area Plan.

‘There are very few sites like this. I can’t see a downside to this change.’

Chamber of Commerce land use and planning sub-group chairman Carl Symes agreed there was a need for more industrial land.

‘Chamber is highly supportive of this. For a long time we have said there is insufficient land for industrial businesses, so we are pleased with this move.’

Environment is responsible for rezoning the land, but Commerce and Employment had made the recommendation.

‘We have been pressing for some time for the release of more land for the occupation of businesses that work from small workshops and yards,’ said a spokesman for Commerce and Employment.