Monday 20 August 2012
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
I was wanting to find out what the department thought of the Guernsey Planning Panel's report and how the relationship between the independent panel and the department has been developing.
I was also interesting in checking if the new appeal fees were going towards off-setting the costs of the tribunal or into the general States pot.
Lastly, I noticed that of the 43 appeals heard, 11 were allowed, which seems like quite a high figure.
Could I have a comment about whether the department is happy with the way planning decisions are being made, as so many of the planning decisions are later being overturned, and whether the department plans to make a changes to reduce the number of decisions overturned.
Environment Department Response:
The Environment Department has noted the second annual report of the Planning Panel and is satisfied that in the majority of cases the Department's planning decisions are upheld on appeal. The Department supports the open and transparent approach of the Panel which contributes significantly to the Island's planning process. Where appeals are allowed the Department carefully considers the Panel's reasoning and takes this into account when dealing with similar proposals.
Queries regarding appeal fees should be directed to the Secretary of the Planning Panel.
Contact Information:
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning Control Services
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717 200
