Planning Applications: Publication of Information Online

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 27 April 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-PE- 2012-0029
Decision Summary Title:	Making information available online in connection with the consideration and viewing of applications for planning permission		Date of Decision Summary:	18 April 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Written		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?			Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	Making information available online in connection with the consideration and viewing of applications for planning permission		Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:	Planning Performance Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Report and Appendices I & II are public documents Appendix III of the report is exempt form disclosure under the “Code of Practice on Access to Information…” by virtue of Part 3.2.1 (v) of the Code
Subject: Making information available online in connection with the consideration and viewing of applications for planning permission
Decision(s): Publication to the internet applications for planning permission and associated documentation including representations, commence from 15 May 2012. The Data Protection, Copyright and Publication of Planning Applications to the Internet Policy document is adopted. The copying of information from the internet of anything forming part of an application for planning permission by a person for consideration and comment is authorised. –
Reason(s) for Decision: The Minister for Planning and Environment recognises that part of providing a credible and accountable process for dealing with applications for planning permission involves making available as much information as possible. Subject to the safeguards to be put in place to control the extent of information published online authorising publication will enable more engagement, accountability and efficiency of service
Resource Implications: Costs for the provision of this service have been included within an upgrade of the IT structures of the Planning and Building Service which in total was £170,000. These were met from a payment from the Treasury of previously unspent funds by the Department along with a contribution from the Department’s Strategic Reserve
Action required: Commence publishing details of applications for planning permission on the internet from 24 April 2012
Signature: Deputy R Duhamel		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):