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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (18/05/2007) regarding: Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey: Review of 15 Charles Street.

Subject:	Dawlish House, 15 Charles Street, St. Helier.
Decision ref:	MD-PE-2007-0073	Exempt clause(s):		None
Type of report:	Written and oral	Report file ref:		HE0095
Person giving report (if oral): Principal Historic Buildings Advisor
Written report – author: Curator of Historic Buildings
Written Report Title: Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey: Review of 15 Charles Street
Decision(s): The Minister for Planning and Environment determined that; · 15 Charles Street shall be retained on the Register as a Building of Local Interest
Reason(s) for decision: 15 Charles street satisfies the published criteria for inclusion in the Register as a Building of Local Interest
Action required: · Notify owner · Notify Development Control
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision: 18 May 2007

Dawlish House, 15 Charles Street, St. Helier - retention as Building of Local Interest

		Item No:
		Date:

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Review of 15 Charles Street, St Helier

Purpose of the Report

The purpose of this report is for the Minister to review the existing registration of 15 Charles Street, 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.

The Jersey Building Heritage Sub-Committee added 15 Charles Street to the Historic Buildings Register on 25 March 2002.

In response to an appeal against this registration received on 5 March 2007, the Planning and Environment Department requested that the Jersey Heritage Trust undertake an assessment of the building ahead of discussions by the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group at its meeting on 10 April 2007.

Discussion

15 Charles Street is a terrace property that dates to the mid-nineteenth century. The building has notable features such as a decorative door-case and sash windows with a vertical grooved detail on the central mullion that is unique to Jersey buildings. A second floor extension has been added, although with matching windows in diminished scale to those below, and it was agreed that the house continues to make a positive contribution to the streetscape.

Taking these factors into consideration, MRLAG concurred with the recommendation that 15 Charles Street should be retained on the Register as a BLI.

Recommendation

15 Charles Street should be retained on the Historic Buildings Register as a Building of Local Interest.

Reason(s) for Decision

15 Charles Street satisfies the published criteria for registration.

The registration of 15 Charles Street is in accordance with Interim Policy HB1 which states ‘Historic buildings which contribute positively to the distinctive character or appearance of Jersey’s built-up areas or countryside, particularly where they are of ‘group value’, will be identified and included in the Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey.’

Action Required

 Issue a letter to the owner

 Notify Development Control - Urban Section of the decision

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:

Location plan

Assessment form and photographs, March 2007

Appeal letter dated 3 February 2007 (exempt 3.2.1(b))

File ref HE0095

Date 30/04/2007