What are the increases in planning application fees for each year from 2008 2009 and any increases implemented for 2010

1240/5(5086)

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2010

Question

Given claims by the Association of Jersey Architects that planning fees have risen by 500% since 2008, will the Minister detail exact increases in planning application fees for each year from 1st January 2008, throughout 2009 and any increases implemented or planned for 2010?

The total increases in planning application fees since he became Minister for Planning and Environment? Answer

Fees have increased since the beginning of 2008 and those increases are detailed in the attached documents. Between 2007 and 2008 fees for planning applications increased by 2.5% - some figures were rounded up for practicability – in line with the State's Anti-Inflation Strategy.

However, it became increasingly evident that the level of service required to process applications in an effective and efficient manner was not matched by the resources of the Department. Consequently the 2009 Planning and Environment Business Plan – which was approved by the States in September 2008 – allowed for a cost-of-living uplift for most categories and also an increase in fees for commercial developments that would fund improvements in the service. In particular, developments of more than 5 dwellings attracted a premium and the fees for the provision of commercial floorspace – whether by new build or change of use – either increased in themselves or the means by which they were calculated resulted in a comparable increase. A further increase at the beginning of 2010 of between 5% and 25% - averaging out at a 15% increase overall – further consolidated this approach, but also reflected the need to make good cuts in the Department's budget in 2010.

As is evident from the attached table that the vast majority of categories have increased nowhere near the 500% figure that comprised the press headline, but it is acknowledged that there have been some significant increases. These increases reflect the fact that the granting of planning permissions operates mainly in the interest of the applicant but also reflects the significant improvement in performance of the Department over the past 12 months.

Turning to the example quoted by the President of the AJA this reflects the philosophy of shifting the burden of fee income to developments that generate significant levels of income for the developer. A commercial development of 2787 sqm (30,000sqft) would attract a planning application fee of £26,197. This figure should be put into the context of the overall development costs, including land purchase, construction costs and professional fees, and the market value of the development, against both of which it represents a miniscule percentage.

Total changes in fees between 2008 and the end of 2009, and the increases since Senator Cohen became Minister are attached.

Planning and Environment Department

Changes in Planning Application Fees from January 2008 to 1st Jan 10

January 1 Mar 08 - 1 Jan 09 - 2008 fee 31 Dec 31

08 Dec 09 dwellings and associated works (including change of use to form a dwelling) £ £ £

 (per flat) 233.00 239.00 See note* ling houses (per house) 465.00 477.00 See note* ach flat up to and including 5 245.00 ach additional flat 335.00 ach dwelling house up to and including 5 489.00 ach additional dwelling house 665.00 bricated portable dwelling unit (per unit) 155.00 159.00 163.00

sions and alterations to a dwelling

nsion of a dwelling up to 20 sq.m in floor area 78.00 80.00 82.00 nsion of a dwelling over 20 sq.m in floor area 155.00 159.00 163.00

rial alteration of a building where the where the work is of a minor nature (per building) 78.00 80.00 82.00 rial alteration of a building where the where the work is of a major nature (per building) 155.00 159.00 163.00  new buildings, extensions and changes of use

ion or extension of any building up to 20 sq.m in floor area 78.00 80.00 See

note*

ion or extension of any building up to 20 - 50 sq.m in floor area 155.00 159.00 See

note*

ion or extension of any building up to 50 - 100 sq.m in floor area 233.00 239.00 See

note*

ion or extension of any building up to 100 - 250 sq.m in floor area and for every additional 250 465.00 477.00 See

note*

ion or extension of a glasshouse or polytunnel for agricultural purposes for every 500 sq.m 155.00 159.00 163.00 ion or extension of any other building for agricultural purposes for every 500 sq.m or part thereof 233.00 239.00 245.00 ion, extension or change of use of a building for a non-residential use (per sq.m) ** See 7.50

note*

ge of use of land (or part) for any purpose other than those listed above 233.00 239.00 245.00 ral extraction (per 1 acre, 2.25 vergees or 0.4 hectare site area) 1,940.00 1,989.00 2,039.00 ble Structures (such as burger vans, ice cream kiosks and marquees) 155.00 159.00 163.00 ellaneous development not otherwise specified. (per1 acre, 2.25 vergees or 0.4 hectare site 233.00 239.00 245.00

ellaneous works (not carried out as part of other work)

acement windows (per application) (No charge if the windows are timber) 39.00 40.00 41.00 lite dish 39.00 40.00 41.00 acement of or substantial alteration to a shop front 155.00 159.00 163.00 ion of sign or advertisement per sign 39.00 40.00 41.00 pole, telephone box or other similar structure (each) 39.00 40.00 41.00 fence or other similar structure (each) 39.00 40.00 41.00 ming pool (not enclosed) 155.00 159.00 163.00 ation or alteration of a vehicular access 155.00 159.00 163.00 sion or material alteration of a tank for the storage of liquid or gaseous fuel 39.00 40.00 41.00

pplication for assessment of impact of a High Hedge in accordance with the High Hedges 350.00 359.00

ation

e - Increase Between 1/1/09 and 1/1/10 - method of calculation changed from Jan 2008