A BACKBENCH Deputy will seek support from fellow politicians for his bid to halt the sale of a former care facility when the States Assembly convenes next week.
Deputy Alex Curtis has lodged a proposition to revoke the planned sale of Aviemore in St Martin to the States-owned Jersey Development Company, which plans to build new homes on the site.
The move follows the listing of the property for sale in January 2024, at which point offers of “in excess of £3 million” were invited. Later, Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan approved the transaction with JDC for £1.3m.
In lodging his proposition, Deputy Curtis highlighted a lack of information from the government around the sale, and called for a consultation with States Members and the public on the future use and ownership of Aviemore.
“If we are selling valuable public assets at a fraction of their expected value, we need to ask whether this is really the best use of taxpayer-owned land,” he stated.
The other item of public business listed for next week’s sitting – which is due to start at 9.30am on Tuesday – also involves the Jersey Development Company, with a proposition by ministers to redefine the legal provisions for developments. This is intended to achieve a more realistic framework for development while at the same time mitigating against risk.
If the move is supported, JDC will be required to secure a minimum of 25% of the gross development value of a residential scheme in legally binding pre-sales. Commercial developments would require sufficient pre-let agreements to cover the costs of construction.
Members will also have the chance to question ministers, with topics ranging from the ferry contract with DFDS, Havre des Pas Lido, the government’s IT strategy and the re-organisation of the Health Department. Three sessions of questions without notice will feature Education Minister Rob Ward, Children’s Minister Richard Vibert and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham.
