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1240/5(3258)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 27th MARCH 2007
Question
Would the Minister agree to bring any decision to grant a licence to a third supermarket operator to the States for approval? Will he further inform the Assembly what talks, if any, have taken place with possible operators and in particular with respect to the Waterfront, whether any understandings or agreements have been reached?
Answer
The development of the retail sector is guided by the retail framework which was approved by the Council of Ministers and published in June 2006.
The Assembly will be aware that in order for any new undertaking to commence in the Island it must have a licence under the Regulation of Undertakings and Development (Jersey) Law, 1973. As Minister of Economic Development, I am responsible for administering the Law. In considering applications on their merits, I am required under the Law to have regard to the need to regulate and manage demand on the resources of the Island and to protect the integrity of the Island in commercial and financial matters. Many applications submitted contain confidential information which cannot and indeed should not be revealed. As with Planning applications, it would not be normal States' business to consider matters where authority to take decisions has already been delegated.
Similarly, Planning approval will also be required if a new supermarket involved some form of development, this would be a matter for the Planning and Environment Minister to decide. A licence may also be required under Part 3 of the Regulation of Undertakings and Development (Jersey) Law.
The Assembly is aware of interest by French supermarket operators as this has been widely spoken of in connection with a potential Cherbourg freight link. In addition to interest from two French supermarkets, three UK based supermarkets are exploring market opportunities in Jersey. Discussions have been held with these operators to inform them of the processes that they would need to go through in seeking consents to operate in the Island. I am also aware that supermarket operators have had discussions with the Planning and Environment Department to clarify planning criteria relating to supermarket development in Jersey. I have been advised by Planning and Environment that no commitments have been made to developers or operators.
I can therefore confirm that currently no undertakings or agreements have been made with any supermarket in relation to either the Waterfront or any other location in the Island.