20 February 2015
A new planning appeals system will be introduced next month, if the States adopts amendments to the Planning and Building Law on Tuesday 24 February 2015.
The Minister for Planning and Environment is presenting the final pieces of legislation to the States to bring the new system into operation, following a public consultation and States debate last year. The fees for making an appeal will be considered at the same time.
If adopted, the new merits-based system will start in March and will be run independently from the Department of the Environment. The cost of bringing an appeal will be much less than the cost of going to the Royal Court. It will also mean that:
- appeals will be held at short hearings or by written submissions administered by the Judicial Greffe and considered by independent inspectors.
- the appeal inspector will make recommendations to the Minister about whether the appeal should be allowed or not.
- the Minister remains the ultimate decision maker to ensure democratic accountability The Minister will no longer be involved in the initial consideration of applications or decisions that could be appealed.
- a new Planning Applications Committee will replace the role of the current Planning Applications Panel and the resources for administering the Panel will transfer to the Committee.
Minister for Planning and Environment, Deputy Steve Luce said “The new appeals system offers an accessible and efficient way for appeals to be considered and I am delighted it will offer a simpler and more cost-effective system.
“It is the result of extensive work and consultation by politicians, States departments and other stakeholders and I am pleased that that the new system retains the constitutional element of appeal decisions being made by someone who has been elected and is accountable.”
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