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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (13/04/2007) regarding: List as SSI: Seafield, La Route de St Aubin, St. Lawrence.

Subject:	List as SSI: Seafield, La Route de St Aubin, St. Lawrence
Decision reference:	MD-PE-2007-0054	Exempt clause(s):		None
Type of report:	Written and oral	Report file ref:		LA0227
Person giving report (if oral): Curator of Historic Buildings
Written report – author: Principal Historic Buildings Advisor
Written Report Title: Notice of Intention to List as a Site of Special Interest, Seafield House, La Route de St Aubin, St Lawrence
Decision(s): The Minister for Planning and Environment; 1. confirmed the intention to List Seafield House, La Route de St Aubin, St Lawrence, as defined in the attached schedule (with revised boundary from that shown as a pSSI), as a Site of Special Interest under the provisions of Article 51(2)(b) Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 by virtue of its special interest as described in the same schedule; 2. approved the serving of the Intention to List Notice in accord with the requirements of the Law.
Reason(s) for decision: The special interest of Seafield House, La Route de St Aubin, St Lawrence, as defined and assessed relative to the published criteria for selection, justifies its inclusion on the List of Sites of Special Interest in accordance with the provisions and purposes of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002; The proposal accords with the States Strategic Plan commitment of protecting and sympathetically managing our built heritage assets.
Action required: The Intention to List Notice to be served in accord with the requirements of the Law; No sooner than 28 days after the date of service of the Intention to List Notice, a further report will be brought back to the Minister relative to any representations received.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision: 13 April 2007

Seafield, La Route de St Aubin, St. Lawrence - list as Site of Special Interest

		Item No:
		Date:

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Notice of Intention to List as a Site of Special Interest

Seafield House, La Route de St Aubin, St Lawrence

Purpose of the Report

The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider a proposal to include Seafield House (with a boundary revised from that of the current pSSI) on a list of Sites of Special Interest under the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002 and to authorise the serving of a Notice of Intention to this effect.

Background

This report follows a review of the status of Seafield as a pSSI and the boundary associated with that designation. The site has been protected as a pSSI for a considerable time though the house is recognised as being a stunning example of its period with an interior of great quality. It is thus considered appropriate for it to be fully protected as a SSI.

Discussion

The review considered the extent of the current protection including the minor structures included within the boundary. It was concluded that the area should be reduced to include only those parts which relate directly to the house and its architectural and historic importance, with buildings and structures of lesser quality excluded.

The revisions were considered by the MRLAG on 12th March 2007, who agreed the changes without comment.

Conclusions

The revised boundary more readily relates to the importance of the house, and the elevation in status to a SSI reflects its architectural and historical importance, including that of the interior of this very special house.

Recommendation

On the basis of the above, the Minister for Planning and Environment is recommended to;

1. Approve the proposal to include Seafield House, La Route de St Aubin, St Lawrence (with revised boundary) on the List of Sites of Special Interest by reason of its architectural and historical interest as defined in the attached schedule, under the provisions of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, and;

2. Approve the serving of the Intention to List Notice in accord with the requirements of the Law.

Reason(s) for Decision

The proposal accords with the States Strategic Plan commitment of protecting and sympathetically managing our built heritage assets.

Action Required

1. The Intention to List Notice to be served in accord with the requirements of the Law

2. No sooner than 28 days after the date of the service of the Intention to List Notice, a further report will be brought back to the Minister relative to any representations received.

Written by:	Janet Dore

Approved by:	Kevin Pilley

Attachments: Schedule, plan, Intention to List Notice

File ref LA0227

Date 29/03/2007