Hustings 11th Oct 2011

Policy Commitments presented to Hustings at St Brelade, Tuesday 11 October 2011 by John Young , former Chief Officer Of States Planning and Environment, during election for Deputy in St Brelade District No 1. (Extract from Speech)

I have tried to meet as many of you as possible to listen to your opinions, I apologies if I have not yet done so.

1. Local Issues

I have heard many concerns about the speeding of vehicles and some concerns for improved management of car parking in St Aubin. I would support practical and common sense measures for both.

Several years ago I had suggested to the Constable that he convened a community planning event for St Aubins. I was delighted that the planning workshop was held in 2008 and clearly rejected the plan for land reclamation. The unpublished report of the event stands ready for the Parish to implement in partnership with the Village community.

2. Public Confidence in the States

There is a bigger picture of public concern. You have lost confidence in our States. Partly this is due to mistakes made introducing the ministerial system which needs reform.

The States has become dysfunctional taking their eye off the important issues of : sustaining our economy in uncertain conditions, maintaining local employment, controlling States spending and halting the waste of money,ameliorating the effects of increased taxation , affordable homes.

Change is needed.

3. Planning Issues

Your biggest concern is the huge damage from the over development of coastal sites. In recent years our Planning system has failed to manage the pressure of speculative development.

Large scale developments have been allowed which completely dominate their surroundings and have completely changed the character of their coastal locations, putting at risk the special qualities which make Jersey unique.

Not only does this environmental vandalism effect us now , but effects future generations , and our tourist industry. Why should vistors come here when it just looks like the med or anywhere else ?

I have been shocked by local developments, in Mont Arthur, Rue Voisin, Portelet , and worst of all in Mont Gras dÕEau , where a beautiful green lane has been ruined, despite the Island Plan policy for the green backdrop Zone (BE3) which requires the landscape and not the buildings to dominate.

Already in the queue for speculative development are sites in Oasisne, St Brelades bay, Mont de la Rocque , Rue du Crocquet and la Haule.

Responsibility for this falls on the Planning Minister, but all States members must take collective responsibility for complacency. The Planning Law and the Policies are strong but have not been used properly. All States members may bring propositions to the States, but I have seen little evidence that current members have fought to protect these sites. We need change , and a fresh voice elected as your Deputy in the States. Your Deputy needs the knowledge and experience to operate effectively in the States from their very first day in office.

4. My Commitment to Actions

If elected I will take a lead in Planning matters and bring propositions to the States to introduce safeguards into the Planning system and propose planning policies which limit the scale and extent of replacement buildings on our coastal and shoreline zones and encourage development which respects its surroundings and introduce a policy to enable two generation homes.

I will seek to limit the power for the Planning Minister to override his officers recommendations without the support of his panel or Assistant ministers. I will bring a proposition to introduce an independent Planning appeals system.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion I am offerring all of my experience and knowledge of our system of government and the way the States works, and if elected will put this into service on your behalf.

My only motivation is to ensure that the Jersey which I love which has given me and my family everything I have, is protected and nurtured for future generations, continues to prosper economically, and our wonderful special community is sustained.

If I am elected I will resign my job and will work full time , tirelessly and selflessly on your behalf as your Deputy. I humbly invite you to give me your vote as Deputy.