Environment Review - Autumn 2008

The summer months have seen no easing of the number of consultations that are being mounted. The topics have included everything from 'Homes for the Over 55s' to 'Regeneration of St Helier'. Underlying all of the consultations has been the Green Paper asking for views on the 79 Strategic Options that are being considered as part of the Review of the Island Plan. The Section decided that, not only was it impractical to try to arrive at a consensus on 79 different questions at a meeting but it would be more representative if individuals completed the Questionnaire. Although this phase for comment ends at the beginning of October, there will be other opportunities to contribute in the coming months. The Questionnaire does, however, act as a useful starting point for one's thoughts on how the Island should direct its policies for the near future. Copies of the Green Paper can be obtained from the States Bookshop at Morier House.

In April Senator Cohen refused the application to build houses at Plémont, even though the Planning Officer had recommended that a reduction to 36 should be accepted. On the presumption that either yet another application might be submitted or that some move might be made to purchase the land, the Section put on record its view that the value of the land should only be seen as what it might be worth when only very limited development was permissible.

Before the States Debate on Waste Strategy, the Executive authorised a letter to all States' Members urging caution in committing to a large new incinerator without a reliable forecast of the amount of waste that was likely to be produced in the future and an independent assessment of alternative technologies. The Director of Technical Services immediately made a detailed presentation to the Section: we remained sceptical because the forecast was based on various levels of population increase and was difficult to reconcile with the States policy of encouraging re-cycling and significantly reducing the amount of waste produced.

In Brief

The Section was given a very clear explanation from the Statistics Unit of the thinking behind 'Homes for the Over 55s'. While the process was convincing, it appeared to be based on a presumption of continued population increase.

The Section has been kept up-to-date with the developing plans for the Waterfront Esplanade Quarter. A Public Inquiry will start on 27th October into an Outline Planning Application. While supporting the lowering of the road that acts as such a barrier between the Waterfront and the older part of town we remain unconvinced that the grid-based layout will in any way be sympathetic to the character of St Helier The Chairman has been invited to be a member of the Committee of Inquiry into Third Party Appeals. The Committee has met several times and continues to receive submissions. It is expected to report before the end of the year.

The Société has been asked to communicate with similar groups in Guernsey and Alderney to explore interest in applying for World Heritage Site Status for the Channel Islands. A Report into feasibility has been commissioned by the Minister for Environment and is expected to recommend that any application should be based primarily on the Island's Forts and Coastal Defences.

R Anthony – Chairman