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Fort Regent: establishment of a working group (P.188/2009) – second amendment.

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STATES OF JERSEY

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FORT REGENT: ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKING GROUP (P.188/2009) – SECOND AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 5th January 2010

by the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture

STATES GREFFE

2009   Price code: A  P.188 Amd.(2)

FORT REGENT: ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKING GROUP (P.188/2009) – SECOND AMENDMENT

1  PAGE 2, PARAGRAPH (a) –

For the words "working group" substitute the words "political steering group"; delete the words "Jersey Heritage Trust,"; and for the words "and the Planning and Environment Department, in order to ensure collaboration between these key parties," substitute the words ", the Planning and Environment Department and  the  Parish  of   St. Helier ,  who  will  consult  with  other  interested  parties including the Jersey Heritage Trust and the Fort Users Association".

2  PAGE 2, PARAGRAPH (b) –

For the words "working group" substitute the words "political steering group".

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE

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P.188/2009 Amd.(2)

REPORT

Although I am prepared to establish and lead a steering group to produce a plan for the future development of Fort Regent, I have concerns about the resources required to deliver this and the make up of the proposed group.

The  availability  of  resources  is  of  primary  concern  and  one  that  must  not  be overlooked. This is also acknowledged by the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel,  who  accept  that  significant  resources  may  be  required  in  any  future development  proposals.  Members  will  need  to  keep  this  in  mind  when  deciding whether to support the main proposition or this amendment.

A piecemeal approach is not an option if the future of the Fort and the surrounding area is to be resolved, so the main focus of the Steering Group will be to produce a Masterplan for the Public, and ultimately the States, to consider.

This amendment focuses on the makeup of the group by mirroring the successful format used to progress the development of other large tracts of public land such as the approved Masterplan for the Esplanade Quarter and the more recent North of St. Helier Masterplan. The amendment proposes the setting-up of a Political Steering Group  and  includes  representation  from  the  Parish  of   St. Helier ,  a  matter  which Deputy T. Pitman raises in a separate amendment. It is anticipated that an officer working group would be set up to support the political steering group ensuring that the development of a plan is progressed in a timely manner.

It is vital to have representation from the Planning and Environment Department on both groups. However, it is also recognised that the Department will need to consult with its advisers when considering any planning applications. Jersey Heritage will be a key advisor at this stage so it would be inappropriate for them to be included on the Political Steering Group.

Part  of  the  process  will  necessarily  involve  both  the  private  and  public  sector including Jersey Heritage Trust and the Fort Users Association as a plan is developed.

Although the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel suggest that the preliminary work required to be carried out by the steering group could be funded within existing resources, it should be recognised that department officers are fully occupied in their current roles and it may be necessary for them to review their priorities.

Financial and manpower implications

To ensure a successful outcome, additional resources will be required by the steering group to develop a Masterplan and implement any improvements to the site. Therefore it needs to be recognised at the outset that this steering group will only be able to progress its work if the required resources can be found. Progress will be dependent on  successful  bids  being  included  in  departmental  business  plans  for  2011  and ultimately approved by the States.

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P.188/2009 Amd.(2)