Sheltered housing in Green Zone refused

 

Following advice from an independent planning inspector, Jersey’s Planning Minister has refused an application to develop 20 new buildings on a Green Zone field in St Ouen.

 

The St Ouen parish authorities applied to build 19 sheltered accommodation units, a communal building and new vehicular access on Field 622, La Rue de la Croute, St Ouen.

 

A public inquiry was held in July this year and independent planning inspector, David Bushby submitted his findings to the Minister, Deputy Rob Duhamel, in early August, recommending that the planning application be refused.

 

Field 622 is within the Green Zone where there is a general presumption in the 2011 Island Plan against all forms of new development. This scheme would represent a substantial department from Policies NE7 and SP1 and insufficient justification to warrant a departure from these States-approved policies was presented.

 

A rigorous examination of potential alternative sites in or around the village of St Ouen was not conducted and tangible evidence of the level of need for sheltered housing both in St Ouen and neighbouring parishes was not produced. The parish authorities also failed to submit a comprehensive Village Plan that has been publicly consulted upon.

 

In reaching his decision, the Minister paid special regard to the independent inspector’s report and also gave due considerations to the representations and consultations received on the planning application and subsequent inquiry.

 

Following receipt and consideration of the inspector’s report, the Minister agrees with the findings; namely that there is insufficient justification to warrant a departure from the established policies of the Island Plan.