Friday 10 January 2014
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
I understand an appeal has been placed against the lack of decision for the Manor Hotel application (full/2013/2007).
I know the department cannot comment on individual applications, but is this the first time there has been an appeal against a non-determination?
Also, how many application are more than a year old without a decision and can you list them, and perhaps some reasons why some applications can take longer than others?
I know this might take a bit of time to put together, but could I have a response by 3.30pm on Monday (although sooner would be even more helpful).
Environment Department Response:
There has been one previous appeal decided by the Planning Panel against non-determination of a planning application. This related to a proposal to erect a marquee on a field at Rue des Marettes, St Martins (appeal ref: 006/2010). That appeal was dismissed.
At the present time there are two 'live' planning applications which have been with the Department for more than one year. In both of these cases the Department has been in contact with the applicant/agent and has agreed an extension of time beyond the 13 week point at which the applicant has a statutory right of appeal against non-determination.
The Department's practice is to defer applications to enable revisions to be made where possible to avoid a refusal of consent. This increases time to determination but results in a relatively low number of refusals of planning permission and according to feedback is well received by applicants and their agents.
Application Ref Date of Receipt as Valid Site Location Current Status
FULL/2012/1758 01/06/2012 Earlswood, Ville Baudu Discussions on-going in relation to planning
Vale issues; amended proposals awaited.
OP/2012/2753 05/09/2012 Idelrocks Hotel, Jerbourg Discussions on-going in relation to planning
Road, St Martin issues; amended proposals awaited.
Contact Information:
Jim Rowles, Director of Planning
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
