03 October 2012
The Assistant Treasury Minister has given an initial response to a proposition asking the Environment Minister not to approve any development of a new police headquarters in Green Street car park.
Deputy Eddie Noel made the following statement: -
“I’d like to make it clear that I do not support this Proposition. First, it seeks to constrain the Environment Minister from undertaking his statutory obligation to determine a Planning Application. There will always be differences of opinion over development proposals and that is why we have a robust planning process.
“I have said many times that meeting the needs of the States of Jersey Police has become critical. One outcome of this proposition would be to impose an unacceptable delay in providing the kind of facilities demanded by modern policing.
Flexible
“The scheme not only meets the original floor area requirements of the Police, it has also been designed with future flexibility in mind, including a significant enhancement to custody facilities. The Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police has publicly stated that the design of the purpose-built facility is fit for the delivery of modern policing.
“Throughout the development of the scheme, the Design Team has worked closely with Transport and Technical Services on both traffic and parking issues. The Planning Application includes details of a car parking strategy, which explains how the displaced spaces can be accommodated.
"The Transport and Technical Services Department is a statutory consultee and will comment on all aspects of traffic, pedestrian and highway issues to the Planning Department. The Environment Minister will consider these views when determining the application.
Housing
“I am convinced that, of the available sites, this is the right site for the Police Headquarters. A comprehensive feasibility study confirmed that the site can meet all the needs of the Police in a specially designed building. This scheme will also free up a significant area of land at Summerland and Rouge Bouillon, which will help provide much-needed affordable housing.
“I will be issuing a comprehensive comment on the proposition before the debate. However, I am firmly of the opinion that the most appropriate way for this to be determined is through the formal Planning process.”
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