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3.8 Senator B.E. Shenton of the Minister for Planning and Environment regarding the existence of a presumption against the use of local architects in major developments:
Does the Planning and Environment Department have a presumption against the use of local architects in major developments and can the Minister explain the reason for the increased use of United Kingdom brand name architects for local development?
Senator F.E. Cohen (The Minister for Planning and Environment):
The department has no such policy. The facts speak for themselves. Since my appointment, Planning has determined 98 large applications. Of those only 6 were by non-Jersey architects and of the 6 the majority were in partnership with Jersey practices. Bear in mind that over the same 3 years we have dealt with over 6,000 planning applications. My aspiration has always been to promote good architecture in Jersey and this was one of my key manifesto pledges. Delivering improved architecture has been about raising the bar and putting in place processes to assist and empower local architects. Local architects have responded enthusiastically to the call for better design and are delivering some very accomplished schemes. Planning do not direct the appointment of architects. It is up to applicants to commission architects. They will base their choice on competence, track record and commercial competitiveness. However, when applicants choose to use a non-Island architect we now encourage them to partner a local practice. That said, I am proud that acclaimed architects from further afield are working on Jersey schemes and mostly in partnership with local practices. This continues a rich tradition. Trinity Manor, for example, was remodelled by the London architect, Sir Reginald Blomfield. T. Helliwell designed St. Helier market. John Haywood designed Victoria College. Thomas Calcutt, the Grand Hotel. Seafield was designed by Robert Luger. Steephill by Ernest Newton. Elizabeth Castle by the architect and engineer, Paul Ivy. Even the old States library and Greffe adjacent to this Chamber were designed by Ansell and Orange.
- Senator B.E. Shenton:
It is a pity he did not mention anything that was designed by local architects under his Ministry. The Minister must surely realise that he is in a very powerful position and it is very difficult for local architects to criticise the hand that approves their plans. Is the Minister 100 per cent certain that the overseas architects have the relevant Regulation of Undertakings approval and consent to work in the Island?
Senator F.E. Cohen:
Regulation of Undertakings matters are not in my domain. All I can say is that from a perspective of practising as architects in Jersey, the U.K. architects are able to offer services in certain circumstances in Jersey.
- The Deputy of St. John :
Will the Minister inform the House when he receives his planning applications from
these U.K. architects - architects from off-Island - that they have been registered with
the Royal Court?
Senator F.E. Cohen:
The U.K. architects are not required to register with the Royal Court.
- Senator B.E. Shenton:
Could the Minister explain why he put the St. Helier Master Plan for the Gas Place site out to U.K. architects and did not ask any local architects to proceed with the tender process?
Senator F.E. Cohen:
With respect to the Senator, his information is inaccurate. Three local architects were invited to tender and 3 U.K. architects were invited to tender and the U.K. architects were clearly told that their tender had to include a partnership with a local practice.