Normans Timber Yard Site, Clos du Fort, St. Helier: Transfer to Housing from Property Holdings

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 30 September 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-PH-2013-0164
Decision Summary Title :	DS - Transfer of the Normans Timber Yard Site from Jersey Property Holdings to Housing		Date of Decision Summary:	26 September 2013
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director JPH		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public.
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	WR - Transfer of the Normans Timber Yard Site from Jersey Property Holdings to Housing		Date of Written Report:	26 September 2013
Written Report Author:	Assistant Director JPH		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	WR, SD1 and SD2 - Public
Subject: Normans Timber Yard Site, Clos Du Fort, St Helier - Transfer of the site from Jersey Property Holdings to Housing (MIG 0546)
Decision(s): The Minister decided, as recommended by Jersey Property Holdings, to the transfer of the Normans Timber Yard Site, Clos Du Fort, St Helier from Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) to Housing for future development as social and affordable housing.
Reason(s) for Decision: Under Standing Order 168 (1) (b) the Minister has authority to approve the above transaction.
Resource Implications: The financial implications of this decision are detailed in the accompanying report. There are no manpower implications in respect of this decision.
Action required: Treasury to arrange for the asset and any associated budgets to be transferred from JPH to the Housing Department’s area of the States balance sheet.
Signature:		Position: Deputy E J Noel * Assistant Minister for Treasury & Resources
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Normans Timber Yard Site, Clos du Fort, St. Helier: Transfer to Housing from Property Holdings

TREASURY AND RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Transfer of Normans Timber Yard Site from Jersey Property Holdings

to Housing Department

Minister for Treasury and Resources

Public

Purpose of Report

The Minister is asked to approve the transfer of the site known as Normans Timber Yard, St Helier (identified on the plan at Appendix 1) from Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) to Housing Department for future development as social and affordable housing.

Background

The site forms part of the land at the base of Fort Regent, running parallel to Hill Street. Access is only available through the existing Housing Clos du Fort Estate.

The site was initially identified as potentially suitable for residential development as part of the Fort Regent Regeneration Steering Group.

Following investigation in respect of rock face and ground conditions it appears that the site is capable of bearing a viable residential development.

An indicative feasibility study has indicated that the site may be capable of bearing in excess of 50 units subject to planning. Details at Appendix 2

Proposal

The site currently sits on JPH’s balance sheet as part of Fort Regent. It has no connectivity with the Fort and is not required in connection with any regeneration opportunities.

As housing site that can be developed by the Housing Department, it is appropriate that it be transferred to that department for development.

The proposed development will contribute to the States provision of affordable and social housing subject to planning.

Reason for Decision

The transfer reflects the appropriate accounting treatment for the property, based on the expectation that it will be developed by the Housing Department as social and affordable housing.

Resource Implications

The transfer between two entities within the States has no impact on either JPH’s or Housing’s near cash revenue account on transfer.

Recommendation

That the Minister approves the transfer of the Normans Timber Yard Site, St Helier, from JPH to the Housing Department.

Written By: (Assistant Director JPH)

Signature ………………………… 26 September 2013

Approved By: (Director JPH)

Signature ………………………… 26 September 2013