White Paper - Draft Island Plan

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Island Plan Review: Draft Island Plan (White Paper - September 2009)

Message from the Minister for Planning and Environment

A major consultation on planning for the future of the Island - the protection of its coast, countryside and heritage; the development of its town; providing for new homes, jobs and business - is now under way. The draft Island Plan sets out the proposed policies and the justification for them, which will be used to shape the development and protection of the Island over the next 10 years.

Planning is about safeguarding the Island’s future and meeting the needs of today. We need to make decisions about how we deal with many difficult and contentious issues that will shape Jersey's future. On a small island, there is a need to ensure that every inch of land is used wisely to protect Jersey’s special character. The new Island Plan will give us the framework to do that.

Where there are difficult decisions about meeting our needs for new housing, employment, and the disposal of waste, for example, it is imperative that such policies are fully evidenced. It is important that these issues are matters of debate and that is why as many people as possible should get involved, and should comment on this White Paper.

I am committed to do this in an open and transparent way, listening to everyone’s views, so as far as possible, a clear consensus can be ultimately reached by the States. This process, and the content of deliberations, will be the subject of consideration by an independent inspector, so it is important that proposals and options are clearly and thoroughly scrutinised.

You are encouraged to get involved and to comment on this document. You can do that on-line, in writing or at one of the exhibitions or surgeries that are to be held with the Island Plan Team.

I look forward to hearing your views and taking these to the next stage of the process of informing the new Island Plan.

Senator Freddie Cohen
Minister for Planning and Environment

September 2009