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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY T. M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
Question
"Scaffolding surrounding a listed' but empty and unsafe business premises in La Motte Street is having a hugely damaging impact on retailers whose businesses are hidden from view from shoppers which is particularly damaging to potential business in relation from visitors to the island who will not know the hidden shops are there; what measures is the Minister taking to ensure that this eyesore is rectified and what assurances, if any, in terms of timescales can he give the proprietors of the retailers being negatively impacted upon as to when this scaffolding will be removed?"
Answer
Following a number of complaints from members of the public who had concerns about the unstable condition of the building at No 11½ La Motte Street my department served a dangerous building notice in August 2009. That notice required the owner to take certain steps to make the building safe.
As the property owner had died a decision was taken by my department to erect shoring in the form of a structural scaffold to remove any risk to public safety from a sudden collapse of the front facade of the building which was considered to be highly likely due to it being severely cracked and showing signs of recent movement.
Whilst every effort was taken to limit the effect of the scaffold on neighbouring businesses, the design was dictated by the overriding requirement to provide adequate support to the building. Unfortunately, because the owner has died there has been a delay in implementing the necessary remedial works to make the building safe.
The property has since become the subject of a discumberment and I understand the property is now in new ownership. My officers are in discussions with the new owners legal representatives who have confirmed the owner's willingness to work with my Department to undertake the necessary the steps to allow the scaffolding to be removed as soon as practicable.
I cannot give a specific date as to when this will be, but would expect this to happen within the next 6 months provided the new owner shows a willingness to resolve the matter quickly, as indeed has been indicated.