Retreat Farm, St. Lawrence: Planning Applications (P/2017/1023 & P/2017/0805): Public Inquiry

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A decision made 18 August 2017:

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2017-0088

Decision Summary Title :

P/2017/1023 and P/2017/0805

Date of Decision Summary:

15th August 2017

Decision Summary Author:

Director

Development Control

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

(State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Oral

Person Giving

Oral Report:

Principal Planner

Development Control

Written Report

Title :

N/A

Date of Written Report:

N/A

Written Report Author:

N/A

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

N/A

Subject:

Application P/2017/1023

Demolish glasshouse and ancillary structures in Field 770. Construct 13 No. two bed and 14 No. three bed self-catering accommodation units and ancillary structures with associated hard and soft landscaping. Change of use of resulting agricultural field to car park, including hardstanding and associated works. Widen La Rue de la Frontiere and alter vehicular access. Construct bus shelter and form footpath to South-West of site. Construct terraced seating area to North of existing café.

AND

Application P/2017/0805

Demolish glasshouses to Field No. L78. Alter vehicular access onto La Rue de la Frontiere. Construct 1 No. four bedroom single storey house, detached three car garage and swimming pool to car park South of Field No. L78 with associated landscaping and parking.

Decision(s):

The Minister decided

Against determining the above mentioned planning applications until a Public Inquiry into the applications has been held; and
That the matters should be brought to the attention of the public of Jersey in due course, by way of a formal announcement, that a Public Inquiry is to be held.

Reason(s) for Decision:

In accordance with Article 12(1)(b) of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, as amended, the Minister is satisfied that, in the case of application P/2017/1023, if the proposed development were to be carried out, the development would be a departure (other than insubstantial one) from the Island Plan.

The Minister also considers that application P/2017/0805 is a closely related proposal by the same applicant on adjoining land, raising many of the same planning issues. It is the view of the Minister that both planning applications should be assessed together, so that a comprehensive planning and environmental solution for both parts of the site may be considered.

Finally, the Minister is aware of a third planning application (reference P/2017/0519) to construct 1 no. three bedroom unit of staff accommodation to the west of the site. Although related to the other two proposals, it is not considered that this application need fall within the scope of the Public Inquiry.

The Minister envisages the Inquiry will be an inclusive forum, to ensure an open discussion, with all parties able to present their opinions and have evidence tested, before the Inspector makes a recommendation to the Minister.

Resource Implications:

The estimated cost of holding the Public Inquiry will be met from within the existing Department budget (an estimated amount having been set aside for the purpose) and the Inquiry will be staffed by existing Department staff.

Action required:

A) The Chief Officer shall secure the services of an independent Planning Inspector to conduct the Public Inquiry;

B) Upon securing an Inspector, the Minister shall make a formal announcement as per the provisions of the Planning and Building (Jersey) (Public Inquiries) Order 2008 (media release and letters to interested parties required);

C) The Department shall arrange an Inquiry website, e-mail/postal address and administrative support for the Inspector.

Signature:

Position:

Minister for the Environment

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):