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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (01/12/2008) regarding: Ville au Veslet Farm, Mont Isaac, St. Lawrence - Request for Re-Consideration.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2008 - 0260			Application Number: P/2008/0538 (If applicable)
Decision Summary Title :	, Ville au Veslet Farm, Mont Isaac, , St. Lawrence, ,		Date of Decision Summary:
Decision Summary Author:	John Nicholson		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)		Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	P/2008/0538 Request for Reconsideration report		Date of Written Report:		5 November 2008
Written Report Author:	John Nicholson		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)		Public
Subject: , Ville au Veslet Farm, Mont Isaac, St. Lawrence. Construct shed to house agricultural machinery. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION of refusal of planning permission.
Decision(s): The Minister referred to the Ministerial Meeting of 21st November 2008 when he had heard the Request for Reconsideration in public, and he had decided to refer the matter to the Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment for a decision, because he personally knew one of the objectors. However, the Assistant Minister had already considered the application, as Chairman of the Planning Panel, and the Minister therefore decided that it fell to him to determine the request for reconsideration. The Minister resolved the application should be refused permission for the reasons set out on the original Decision Notice.
Reason(s) for Decision: The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the need for an agricultural storage shed cannot be met in existing buildings elsewhere, and as such the application fails to accord with Policy C16 of the Jersey Island Plan 2002. The proposed agricultural shed is inappropriately sited, remote from the existing buildings, and detrimental to the character and appearance of the Countryside Zone, as the applicant has failed to provide a justification for the siting based on the needs of the holding, the application fails to accord with Policy C16 and Policy C6 of the Jersey Island Plan 2002.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Notify Agent, Applicant and all other interested parties
Signature:		PLeg / PT Initials		Position: Minister for Planning and Environment
Date Signed:				Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):