A decision to dismiss plans for a major development in St Helier has been overturned.
Le Masurier, submitted their proposal for the Broad Street regeneration project, Le Sablons, which included the demolition of existing buildings and the construction more than 200 residential units. The proposal had been recommended for approval by the government-appointed Independent Planning Inspector, but was over-ruled by the Assistant Minister for the Environment in what has been described as a ‘failure to give due consideration to the Inspector’s Report and give intelligible and adequate reasons’ for her decision.
Le Masurier took advice from Partners Nuno Santos-Costa and Pamela Doherty of Collas Crill, and took the decision to appeal the determination of the Assistant Minister to the Royal Court of Jersey.
Pamela Doherty, Property Partner, said: “Following the recommendation for approval by the Independent Planning Inspector, we were confident that the decision of the Assistant Minister was unlawful on two grounds; namely the failure to give due consideration to the Inspector’s report and to give adequate reasoning behind her decision.
“Following the lodging of our appeal, Collas Crill are delighted that the Minister will not be contesting the appeal, the decision of his Assistant Minister has been quashed, and will be remitted back to the Minister for further consideration.”
The application will now go to the Minister for the Environment for reconsideration, with the reasonable costs associated with the appeal to be paid for by the Minister.
Brian McCarthy, Managing Director of Le Masurier commented: “We are hopeful that the right decision will be made promptly to grant a consent for Les Sablons, in accordance with the Independent Planning Inspector’s clear and unequivocal recommendation.
“Le Masurier’s £120 million investment would contribute to the island’s chronic housing shortfall, including assisted purchase housing, on a town centre brownfield site, thereby protecting our precious countryside. It would deliver 150 full-time jobs, boost tourism, and create a publicly accessible courtyard garden.”
