Former Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, St. Saviour, not added to Historic Buildings Register.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (09/11/2006) regarding Assessment of Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, Le Mont de la Rosiere, St Saviour.

Subject:	Assessment of Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, Le Mont de la Rosiere, St Saviour
Decision reference:	MD-PE-2006-0205	Exempt clause(s):		None
Type of report (oral or written):	Oral and written	Report file ref:		3/04/02/01/Ministerial reports
Person giving report (if oral): Curator of Historic Buildings: Jersey Heritage Trust
Written report – author: Curator of Historic Buildings: Jersey Heritage Trust
Written Report Title: Assessment of Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, Le Mont de la Rosiere, St Saviour
Decision(s): The Minister for Planning and Environment determined that the former belvedere should not be added to the Historic Buildings Register.
Reason(s) for decision: The former belvedere does not satisfy the published criteria for registration.
Action required: · Issue a letter to the owner
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision: 9 November 2006

Former Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, St. Saviour, not added to Historic Buildings Register.

		Item No:
		Date:

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Assessment of Belvedere at Oaklands Manor, Le Mont de la Rosiere, St Saviour

Purpose of the Report

The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider whether the former belvedere at Oaklands Manor merits inclusion in the Historic Buildings Register, having regard to the States strategic objective ‘to protect the best of the Island’s architectural heritage’ and a key objective of the Island Plan 2002 to protect and promote Jersey’s built, cultural and archaeological heritage.

Background

This report has been prepared by the Jersey Heritage Trust as part of its responsibility under a Service Level Agreement to provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the registration of buildings and sites. It incorporates the views of the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group (MRLAG) - a group established to provide independent, expert advice on matters relating to the protection of buildings and sites of cultural interest.

In August 2006, the Planning and Environment Department received an enquiry from the owners of Oaklands Manor with regards to the repair of a former belvedere in the garden of the property, and subsequently requested that the Jersey Heritage Trust undertake an appraisal of the structure ahead of discussions with the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group.

The Curator of Historic Buildings carried out an assessment of the belvedere on 6 September and submitted a report to MRLAG at its meeting on 18 September 2006.

Discussion

The belvedere / lookout was originally located on the roof of a large Victorian property that formerly occupied the site. When this property was demolished, the belvedere was re-located as a garden feature.

The group agreed that the structure has historic interest as a nineteenth century belvedere / lookout and largely retains its original historic fabric with an attractive lead roof and glazed sides - albeit with the lower timber panels replaced.

Although an interesting feature in its own right, the group concurred with the advice of the Curator of Historic Buildings that adding the belvedere to the Register cannot be justified as it is only a fragment from a demolished building, has been re-located, and has lost its original context.

Recommendation

The former belvedere should not be added to the Historic Buildings Register.

Reason(s) for Decision

The former belvedere does not satisfy the published criteria for registration.

Action Required

 Issue a letter to the owner

Written by:	Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust

Approved by:	Fiona Smith Historic Buildings Officer

Endorsed by:	Kevin Pilley Assistant Director

Attachments:

 photographs

25 September 2006