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applicant does submit plans and they are refused or withdrawn the fees includes the chance to re-submit a further time without cost. Our timing’s are much improved - partly as a result of the improvements above which have streamlined the service. In 2013, the vast majority - 84 per cent of all applications - got a decision within the target 8 or 13 weeks.


The process itself is significantly improved. There’s considerably less ministerial involvement, with Planning Officers deciding the vast majority of applications under delegated powers. The Planning Applications Panel sits every month to consider the more controversial applications and the Minister considers those where there is a difference of opinion between officers and the Panel. The Minister also decides some large scale applications.


Next year people who want to challenge planning decisions will be able to use a more transparent, cost effective and simpler system under a new merits-based planning appeals tribunal we’re bringing in. Appeals will be considered by an independent planning inspector who will make a recommendation to the Minister. The Minster then makes a decision on the basis of the inspector's findings.


It introduces an accessible and efficient way for appeals to be considered while retaining the constitutional element of


appeal with decisions being made by someone who has been elected and is therefore accountable.


We have also opened up access to the planning process online. Anyone with access to the internet can now view and comment on planning applications at their leisure. They can also see objections, if there are any, and register to receive notifications of planning applications in any area of the Island – all from home or work.


That’s not to say that we’ve removed other ways of viewing plans; people can still visit their parish hall or come up to the Planning department at South Hill. And, in the case of a number of larger developments, the introduction of three dimensional computer modelling means you can see the real impact of a development


on the surrounding area and make a more informed judgement.


One of the areas that Planning continues to attract criticism about is the process of approval for large scale developments. Industry claims there are too many hoops to jump through and too much conflicting advice.


Citizens say developments are too large, too ugly, or not necessary. The truth appears to me to be somewhere in the middle. I’m clear our role is not to stimulate the economy. That may happen if we approve a scheme, but in judging whether a scheme is right or not, there are many and complex factors that we take account of – as any developer who’s


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20/20 Habitat - The Home


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