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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. PETER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 23rd OCTOBER 2012
Question
Following his statement on 9th October 2012 that he would only bring forward applications that met the policies set out in the 2011 Island Plan, will the Minister bring forward to this Assembly for approval recommendations for exceptions to policy or amendments to policies that will allow his Department to play its part in meeting economic stimulus required to prevent further job losses in the construction and supply industries and, if not, why not?'
Answer
This question appears to imply that the Island Plan and my Department do not support the economy and might be responsible for job losses in the construction and supply industries. I think these suggestions are unfair and unfounded.
Following a rigorous and consultative process, the Island Plan 2011 was approved by the States in June 2011. The policies of the Island Plan have been carefully formulated to achieve the sustainable development of the Island with a balance between social, environmental and economic considerations. The Island Plan provides a framework of policies and proposals that ensure that land is used wisely to protect Jersey's unique character whilst meeting the needs of Islanders now and in the future. My department and I are committed to supporting the economy, and will continue to apply Island Plan policies fairly and consistency.
The suggestion, by some, that my Department is holding back the construction industry does not reflect reality. Planning approval exists for a number of commercial and domestic schemes where construction has yet to start. We estimate that approval exists for over eight hundred thousand square feet of office space and over 1500 dwellings. It may be other factors, such as market confidence, demand, and financing opportunities that are holding back development.
Together with my department, I will continue to support the development and enhancement of our island and will consider all planning applications received on their own merit, balancing the needs of all stake-holder and the broader environmental considerations. Article 19/3 of the Planning and Building Law (Jersey) 2002 allows me, as Minister for Planning and Environment, to make decisions which are exceptions to policy. There is a formal process for this and I only allow exceptions when there is sufficient justification to do so.