Jonathan Ruff, the owner of Tamba Park in St Lawrence, applied last year for 27 self-catering units in a Center Parcs-style development on a disused commercial glasshouse next to the tourist attraction.
It was considered in March by independent inspector Graham Self, who recommended approval, but on Thursday Deputy John Young announced that he had refused the scheme on the grounds that it was against Island Plan policy, which prohibits development in the green zone.
Mr Ruff has said in an email sent to States Members that he is considering taking legal action to get the decision reversed.
He also contends that Deputy Young should not have considered the application, as he was conflicted, because not only had he attended the inquiry hearing, he had also made comments on social media, and in his election manifesto, that he was in favour of protecting the green zone.
Deputy Young said that he had no choice but to make the decision, and avoid the alleged conflict of interest, as ministerial authority was required, regardless of the independent inspector’s decision.
‘It was a legacy matter which landed on my desk the day I got elected. If I could have delegated it I would have,’ he said.
‘My attendance for a short while at the inquiry was to observe and any Facebook comments etc were all before the nomination day on 11 April,’ he said.
‘I was not a States Member until sworn in 1 June and elected a minister on 7 June. My first briefing was 11 June and I made the decision on 25 July having insisted on taking time to carefully consider it objectively and impartially.’
