23 August 2017
Islanders with views about the planning application for Jersey’s new hospital are being urged to contact the inquiry’s independent inspector.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce decided to hold a public inquiry because the hospital application is for a significant piece of public infrastructure, and an inquiry provides a structured opportunity to explore the planning issues in depth to ensure it is consistent with policy and is the right decision for Jersey.
The inquiry, led by an independent inspector, Philip Staddon, will start on 6 November 2017 and is expected to last for up to a week. Anyone who wants to give their views to the inquiry can do it in two ways:
- write to or email your views directly to the independent inspector by 8 September
- write to, email or telephone the independent inspector by 8 September to say you wish to speak at the public hearing
Little response
Very few people have got in touch with the inspector’s office so far. Philip Staddon said he welcomed views from any resident, business or organisation about the planning application for the new hospital and that the inquiry team would ensure that anyone who wants to speak gets the chance to do so.
‘The inquiry will sit over a number of days, exploring different elements of this major and complex development proposal, but I will make time, each day, for any member of the public who wishes to speak. I would also reassure people that the inquiry will be conducted in an open and inclusive manner. There will be no court room-style cross examination and it’ll be accessible to anyone who wishes to take part.’
He added ‘The inquiry will be open to the public throughout and anyone is welcome to come along for any part of it.’
Giving your point of view
Written submissions should be sent to Helen Wilson, New Hospital Programme Officers, c/o Department of the Environment, South Hill, St Helier, JE2 4US or email progofficer@aol.com. The inquiry office number is +44 151 352 3863.
The deadline for written submissions and/or for people to let the inspector know they’d like to speak at the inquiry is 5pm on Friday 8 September 2017. Written submissions should be no more than 1,500 words and the author’s name and postal address should be included. There will be a further opportunity to submit a ‘proof of evidence’ ahead of the inquiry.
Application details
The application (PP/2017/0990) is to demolish the Stafford Hotel, Revere Hotel, 33-40 and 44 Kensington Place, including Sutherland Court, and parts of the General Hospital and to build a new hospital with landscaping, highways and infrastructure works, including the addition of two half-decks of parking to Patriotic Street carpark.
The law
The inquiry has been called because In accordance with Article 12(1)(a) of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, as amended, the Minister is satisfied that if the proposed development were to be carried out the development would be likely to have a significant effect on the interests of the whole or a substantial part of the population of Jersey.
By law, the Department for the Environment has to follow a set planning process to ensure it provides a fair and consistent service to Jersey. This process includes considering all planning applications – whether they come from individuals, companies, or other States departments – in the same fair and consistent way, looking at all the relevant issues.
The Island Plan, which is approved by the States, is the foundation for all planning decisions in Jersey, and is underpinned by a strategy to direct new development into more built up areas, and away from the countryside (policy H6).
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