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WQ.24/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 30th JANUARY 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2023
Question
“With respect to the recently-announced Planning Services Review, will the Minister provide the following information –
- how the review is to be undertaken;
- whether the review will extend to the planning policy making process and whether the Minister accepts that the quality of that process is critical to the quality of planning decision making;
- what opportunity, if any, there will be for Islanders to meet Mr Mackinnon individually; and
- the expected cost of the review to the taxpayer?”
Answer
- The planning service in Jersey has a history of continuous improvement and evolution arising from external reviews of the service. Planning Officer Society Enterprises undertook three reviews in 2010, 2013 and 2019 respectively. As a result of these reviews, significant changes to the planning system were made, such as the introduction of protocols for ministerial decision-making, an independent planning appeals system and greater transparency in the planning process.
This review by Mr Mackinnon will analyse the functions of planning services in Jersey and make recommendations to deliver an effective public service and deliver Ministerial responsibilities under the Law.
The review will be taken in 5 stages:
• Stage 1: information gathering
• Stage 2: understanding processes and issues in detail, including a visit to the Island in late January to meet with the planning team and tour the Island, ensure full understanding of processes and procedures
• Stage 3: establish issues concerning stakeholders, including a visit to the Island in early March to hold workshops with key stakeholders
• Stage 4: draft report, taking into account workshops, written submissions, information gathered to form draft of report
• Stage 5: final report prepared
Issues to be addressed in the review include customer experience, performance measures and performance agreements, the resources within the planning team, consistency of decision making, pre- application advice and post-decision services, the possibility of a combined planning and building process, enhancements that could be made through digital services, and supporting the Ministerial priority for delivery of affordable homes.
A written report detailing the approach to, and findings of, the review will be provided at the conclusion of the work and will be published.
- the review does not extend to the Bridging Island Plan, Supplementary Planning Guidance, Appeals, Planning Committee or Law changes as these have all been covered in previous reviews and recent Assembly decisions. These matters are also subject to statutory processes under the Planning and Building (Jersey)Law 2002. Whilst recommendations may arise for changes in those areas, this review is focused on the planning service functions as highlighted above.
- Mr Mackinnon will be meeting with stakeholder groups in early March as per stage 3 of the process outlined above. Key stakeholders will be selected by the Minister for the Environment and Mr Mackinnon, based on their involvement in the planning service. Individual Islanders can write to Mr Mackinnon at J.Mackinnon@gov.je before 13th March 2023 and their views will be taken into account by Mr Mackinnon in the review.
- the anticipated cost of the review will be under £30,000.