An application was submitted to the Planning Department by Jersey Choice Ltd in December to demolish glasshouses in fields off Rue de Grantez and build a mixture of two-to-four-bedroom family homes in traditional farmhouse clusters.
Environment Minister Steve Luce said he had called for a public inquiry because the application sought to depart from the States-approved Island Plan, which sets planning policy.
The Spatial Strategy, which underpins the 2011 Island Plan, states that new developments will be concentrated within the Island’s built-up areas, in particular in St Helier.
Former Chief Minister Frank Walker, chairman of flower delivery business Jersey Choice Ltd, said that Deputy Luce had every right to call a public inquiry but the group was concerned about how long it would take and were disappointed that the minister felt he could not make the decision himself.
