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1240/5(4528)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY P.V.F. LE CLAIRE OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2009
Question
"Would the Minister advise whether the planning application jointly in the name of WEB and Harcourt has been issued agreeing consent to the Waterfront development, and, if so, does this consent have any restrictions imposed?"
Answer
Two planning applications have been received in respect of the Waterfront development. One is a detailed application relating to the below ground works including the creation of a tunnel, underground car parking and changes to the road layout. The other is an outline application relating to a mixed use scheme which includes 16 buildings and a number of public open spaces. Both applications have been made jointly by WEB and Harcourt Developments Ltd.
The applications were scrutinised by independent planning inspectors as part of public inquiry which took place in late October 2008. As a result of that process the Inspectors recommended that both applications were approved subject to a number of matters.
I have subsequently indicated to both States Members and the applicants that I am minded to approve the applications once the issues raised by the Inspectors have been addressed. This can be achieved through the signing of the Planning Obligation Agreement which the Department is currently in the process of developing.
I consider the Planning Obligation Agreement to be essential to ensuring that the Waterfront development delivers all that is required in Planning terms. I will not therefore, issue formal consent until that Agreement has been signed.
The Planning Obligation Agreement will, in effect, impose restrictions and conditions on the development. Whilst I am not in a position to release a draft of that Agreement I can assure Deputy that it will address all the issues raised in the Inspectors' report. A full copy of that report is available to States members.
In addition, I have made a commitment to States Members that I will not grant formal consent until the Treasury Minister has confirmed that he is fully satisfied with the financial aspects of the proposals and that the States have debated the development agreement and decided to proceed.
Until these issues have been resolved I will not issue formal planning consent.