The project to build 122 affordable homes on the former Jersey Gas site and extend the Millennium Town Park was rejected by the Planning Committee, which said it could lead to the loss of significant archaeological features beneath the site.
The group of companies involved, which includes FDJ Construction, J&C Dry Lining Contractors and BGR, say an online Planning Committee meeting held to discuss whether to approve the plans was conducted in a flawed and unbalanced format. They have now urged the government to review the decision to refuse the application.
Robert Matthews, chief executive of Rok Regal, the project’s lead contractor, said that due to the limitations of the virtual meeting the firm was unable to raise points which could have provided committee members with reassurance about their concerns.
‘From the start its focus was on representations that the development would result in the loss of significant important archaeological features, despite a report from Museum of London experts emphasising this would not be the case. There was little opportunity allowed for the project team to provide further reassurance on the matter,’ Mr Matthews said.
He added: ‘We were told to use the online-chat function, but anything posted seemed to be missed, leaving us literally waving our hands at the screen trying to attract someone’s attention. While we appreciate the need for virtual meetings currently, it is highly frustrating that the limitations of technology are not considered.’
The contractors, which also include Coastline, BRB Site Excavation and Groundworks, Brady and Gallagher, BGR, as well as Fox Ltd, said they had now written to the director of planning to urge him to urgently reconsider the committee’s decision.
Although the project was valued at £70 million, it is thought that the overall cost of the development could be three times this amount when factoring in the spend in the economy by the companies and workers involved.
Mr Matthews added: ‘Then there is the potential social impact with jobs lost or under threat, including apprentices and trainees. And, of course, the community ultimately loses access to affordable homes, commuter and shopper parking, and a fantastic piece of additional green space. Any balanced review should surely take these factors into account.’
The group also said that the continued delay would have a significant economic and social impact at a time when Jersey should be supporting and stimulating its economy and community wellbeing. It puts at least 80 construction-sector jobs at risk, they explained.
The applicant behind the development, Andium Homes, said it had not yet decided whether it was going to appeal against the committee’s decision.
Andium spokesperson Carl Mavity said: ‘We are still considering our options. The formal notice of the Planning Committee’s decision has not been issued and it would therefore be premature to confirm what we intend to do next until that decision is published.
‘We do not expect to receive the formal decision notice until after the committee’s next meeting, which is on 25 February.’
North of town shaped by technology FACTBOX
THE recent difficulties surrounding a virtual planning meeting are not the first time that technology has played a role in shaping the north of town.
In 2009, a States debate on creating the Millennium Town Park – at a cost of £10 million – was very tight. The proposal was approved by just one vote.
Then Senator Alan Maclean had said that he intended to vote against the plans. However, the Senator leant on his ring-binder as votes were being cast, accidentally nudging the ‘pour’ voting button. Despite telling Members that his vote in favour had been cast by mistake, he was told that the 23-22 vote must stand, which led to the park being approved.
