Government of Jersey

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 18 January 2010 regarding: High hedge remedial notice - Thornton Hall, Upper Kings Cliff, St. Helier.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2010-0006			Application Number: HH/2009/1477 (If applicable)
Decision Summary Title :	Thornton Hall, Upper Kings Cliff, St. Helier, JE2 3GP		Date of Decision Summary:		15.01.10
Decision Summary Author:	Planner – Miss M Jones		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)		Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written and Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:		Planner – Miss M Jones
Written Report Title :	High Hedges: Thornton Hall, Upper Kings Cliff, St. Helier		Date of Written Report:		15.11.09
Written Report Author:	M Jones		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)		Public
Subject: , Thornton Hall, Upper Kings Cliff, , St. Helier, , JE2 3GP Remove hedge to south east of lantern court.
Decision(s): The Minister decided that a Remedial Notice be issued requiring an initial reduction in the height of the hedge to 2.8m thereafter to be annually maintained to a height of 2.8m. Decision made at meeting on site at Lantern Court on the 15th January 2010 following deferral of application for a site visit at the Ministerial Meeting held on the 27th November 2009. (Present at the site meeting: Minister for Planning and Environment; Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment; Chairman of Planning Applications Panel; Assistant Director (Policy and Projects) & Case Officer.
Reason(s) for Decision: Decision made in accordance with the advice offered by the, Independent Surveyor, States Arboriculturalist and case officer to ensure the reduction to the height of the hedge will alleviate the problems of loss of daylight caused to the Complainants. However, the recommendation has been amended by the Minister to reduce the hedge height to 2.8m annually rather than 3.8m as was originally suggested. This change will be reflected in the Remedial Notice to be issued.
Resource Implications:
Action required: Notify Agent, Applicant and all other interested parties
Signature:		PLeg / PT Initials		Position: Minister for Planning and Environment
Date Signed:				Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):