Friday 27 July 2012
Last January, the Environment Department commenced a review of the Development Plans for the Island, the Urban and Rural Area Plans.
As part of the first stage of the review process, comments were invited from the public on the 'big issues' facing the Island through a series of 6 Topic Papers. The topic papers were:
- A Sustainable Approach
- Natural and Built Character
- Main and Local Centres
- Housing
- Employment and Economy
- Recreation, culture and community
The Department has prepared a report summarising the consultation carried out and responses received. Copies of the consultation report are now available here or Islanders can collect a copy from the Environment Department reception desk at Sir Charles Frossard House, or by emailing planreview@gov.gg.
A variety of organisations, States Departments and members of the public responded to the Topic Papers and the Minister, Deputy Roger Domaille said:
"The Department would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken part in this consultation and has clearly given a lot of thought as to how the Island should develop in the future. They have given us a valuable insight into the issues which the Review must address."
The comments received on the Topic Papers together with extensive technical work and research being carried out by the Department, will inform the next stage in the review process - Key Issues and Options Stage.
Next Stages: Public Consultation
Extensive public consultation is integral to the Development Plan drafting process. This is to ensure that as many people as possible have their say about the future development of the Island and complements other information and research findings.
The next main consultation stages during the Plan Review are:
· Key Issues and Options: Comments on the General Topic Papers used to inform the production of more focused Issues Papers. The Environment Department will invite further comments at this stage.
· Draft Plan and Public Inquiry: The Environment Department publishes the Draft Plan. Representations can be submitted to an Independent Planning Inquiry.
Staying Informed
The Environment Department has also produced a 'Community Guide to the Plan Review' for further information on the Plan Review, how to access documents and how Islanders can expect to be consulted. This can be downloaded from the States website www.gov.gg or collected from the Environment Department reception desk at Sir Charles Frossard House.
A wide range of groups and organisations will be contacted directly by the Environment Department for the comments. A full list of consultees is available in the 'Community Guide to the Plan Review'.
Islanders can ask to be added to the consultee list and register for Plan Review updates by email by sending their name and email address to planreview@gov.gg. We are also on Twitter @planreviewgsy.
