15 April 2026
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, has granted planning permission for the development of a 907m predator exclusion fence along the coast to the east of Plémont to enable the creation of a seabird sanctuary, following the consideration of a planning appeal.
The original application, made by the Birds on the Edge partnership, was approved by the Planning Committee in May 2025. As an appeal against this decision was made, the case was reviewed by independent planning inspector, Philip Staddon, who recommended approval.
The inspector noted that the appeal raised some quite complex planning judgements and balances. Most notably the balance concerns whether to allow some visual and landscape harm as a result of the proposal, to achieve the predicted benefits of seabird and habitat protections and enhancements.
In making his decision, the Minister considered the inspector's assessment which found that the evidence supporting the proposal was comprehensive and credible, demonstrating that invasive predators are likely a key factor in the decline of seabird populations in the area. The proposed fence was considered to be a reasonable conservation measure supported by international experts and organisations, with the approach being successful in other places.
The Minister acknowledged that the fence would cause some visual and landscape harm, particularly in certain viewpoints. However, this harm was outweighed by the predicted ecological benefits, including the protection of native species, restoration of coastal habitats, and enhancement of biodiversity.
The inspector found the proposal consistent with the Bridging Island Plan: while the fence would introduce a man-made structure into a protected landscape, its alignment and design minimise the visual impact, and the project's public benefits justify the limited harm. The Minister agreed and granted permission, subject to conditions and a planning obligation agreement.
The link to the application and appeal, on the planning register, is here: https://www.gov.je/citizen/Planning/Pages/PlanningApplicationDetail.aspx?s=1&r=P/2024/1198
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