MANY people are in the dark over planning changes that could put industry in their back yards, according to Deputy David De Lisle.

Today is the last day for islanders to give their views on proposals to amend both the Urban and Rural Area Plans which, he warned, increase opportunities for industry to occupy new sites and buildings.

Deputy De Lisle said islanders should have more time to voice their opinions and has written to Environment to request this.

‘Five sites in the rural area totalling over 11 vergees are targeted for industrial development to house small workshops and builder’s yards,’ he said.

‘Yet I have spoken to residents around one of the targeted sites for industrial development in my constituency and not one of the householders knew anything about the proposal to put industry behind their properties.’

He said at least five households on the Planque Lane, Forest, backed onto the proposed industrial site recommended to accommodate builder’s yards.

‘The department has not posted notices in the areas that they are proposing to rezone for industrial use in the Rural Area under a new policy,’ said Deputy De Lisle, a former Environment minister.