01 September 2021
The Minister for Environment has published a report responding to comments received during the consultation on the draft bridging Island Plan. The report has also been submitted to independent planning inspectors, which marks the start of their review and examination of the draft plan.
Draft Bridging Island Plan: Post-consultation report
The draft bridging Island Plan touches on all areas of Island life and is designed to help shape the future development of Jersey. Islanders were able to have their say on the draft plan over a 12-week period during spring this year, which included a series of online briefings and Parish drop-ins. Over 2,000 comments were received, together with 60 proposed amendments from States Members.
The Minister has responded to all issues raised during the consultation, both from public representations and to proposed amendments lodged by States Members. A series of statement responses have been prepared by the Minister that address numerous issues including:
- the provision of new and affordable homes
- the supply of minerals for the Island
- the future of the coastal national park
Independent planning inspectors have now taken charge of the next stage of the plan-making process and will review the draft bridging Island Plan and all consultation feedback, including the Minister's initial response. Following this, they will choose which areas require further examination in public hearings.
The planning inspectors were awarded the contract in April, following a tender process, to carry out this Examination in Public, which is a legal requirement.
The Minister for Environment, Deputy John Young, said: "The draft bridging Island Plan is comprehensive and moves us forward into a more sustainable future with policies to improve urban areas and build much needed homes, while protecting our rural and coastal landscapes along with our marine environment and heritage.
"I am grateful to those individuals and organisations, and to States Member colleagues, who have engaged in the consultation process and whose contributions will help to shape the next Island Plan.
"The report is now with the independent inspectors who will invite stakeholders into public hearings in due course to discuss key issues in more depth. The debate and challenge raised from the consultation allows the next phase of the process to begin with the key issues clearly identified.
"Once the examination stage is complete, the inspectors will submit their own report, which will be published, and States Members can propose further amendments in light of the recommendations of the inspectors."
The draft plan will go before the States Assembly in the spring next year for approval.
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