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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 18th JANUARY 2011
Question
When does the Minister intend to implement the recommendations of the recent report into the internal workings of the Planning and Environment Department?
Answer
I thank Deputy Le Herissier for raising this issue.
The report's recommendations are divided into two types.
The first details operational improvements. Three of the key recommendations relate to increasing the amount and type of development that does not require planning permission, improving the IT systems in planning and reviewing and simplifying the fee structure. I propose to commence work on these immediately and will expect the first implementation by the end of March 2011.
The second section deals with recommendations for change in the mechanisms of determination. In this area I am concerned that we need to fully respect the very special nature of the expectations of Islanders in respect of the determination of planning applications. Furthermore Islanders have a justifiable expectation to have direct access to the Minister who is after all responsible for all decisions emerging from the Department. I believe that a wider group of politicians needs to examine the report's recommendations in this area and determine the best method of change. Consequently I have decided to establish a small group of politicians to consider the reports recommendations in this area and work will begin in the next few weeks. I will not take a personal role in the group as it will be making recommendations about my role. It will be chaired by the Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment who will be pleased to receive expressions of interest from Members who would like to play a role in participating.