25 April 2018
A public inquiry on new outline plans for a future hospital for Jersey will be held later this year.
It’s the second independent public inquiry held on plans for a new hospital. The first was held in November 2017. On the basis of the inspector’s report on planning application (P/2017/0990) the Minister for the Environment rejected the scheme. New plans (PP/2018/0507) were submitted earlier this month.
The Minister for the Environment has called the inquiry so that an independent planning inspector can examine the planning issues in depth and ensure the proposal is consistent with Island Plan policy and is the right decision for Jersey.
Public interest
The Minister can do this under the 2002 Planning and Building law because the proposed public infrastructure development ‘would be likely to have a significant effect on the interests of the whole or a substantial part of the population of Jersey’.
The inquiry will be a structured and inclusive forum, to ensure an open discussion, with all parties able to present their opinions and have evidence tested, before the inspector makes a recommendation. The Minister for the Environment will make the final decision, once he has considered the inspector’s written conclusions.
A date for the inquiry will be announced soon, and Islanders will be invited to notify the inspector they would like to speak at the inquiry or give their views in writing.
You can see the new plans at the Department of the Environment Offices, South Hill, St Helier or on States of Jersey Planning Register website or on the Future Hospital website.
Fair and consistent
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.
The inquiry has been called because in accordance with Article 12(1)(a) of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, 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.
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