A “MAJOR” step forward has been taken to improve Jersey’s planning system, a progress report has concluded.
Environment Minister Steve Luce welcomed the findings of the third review of the service led by Jim MacKinnon CBE, who is also a former chief planner to the Scottish government.
The report’s publication comes not long after the department released its performance data for 2024, which highlighted improvements in processing times throughout the year.
A number of changes, introduced as part of a drive to improve the planning service, were referenced within Mr MacKinnon’s report.
This included the introduction of a new document management system, which he said had “streamlined” the handling and processing of planning applications, as well as successful recruitment efforts – with multiple posts that had been vacant for over a year and a half now filled.
An increase in the amount of publicly-available information and accessibility of pre-application advice was also noted, as well as the establishment of an “industry partnership board” with representatives from across the development sector.
Additionally, Mr Mackinnon cited “much improved staff morale” stemming from the government’s move to its new Union Street building, adding that: “The new offices provide a bright and airy working environment and staff are clearly much happier in their new surroundings.”
Towards the end of his report, Mr Mackinnon wrote: “The performance (efficiency and customer service) of the planning service in Jersey since the 2023 and 2024 reviews has taken a major step forward.
“This is widely recognised – by the Minister, many in the development industry and by the staff who display a new sense of purpose and confidence.”
He later added that: “The need for culture change is easy to say but more difficult to give it practical effect; but it is observable in the Government of Jersey’s planning service.”
In a statement following the publication of the report, Deputy Luce said: “I would like to thank all the staff for the effort they’ve put in over the last 12 months.”
He continued: “Their hard work has been key in driving the positive changes we are seeing today.
“There has also been a marked reduction in the number of applications awaiting registration and determination, reflecting an uplift in performance and service delivery.”
Andrew Marx, head of development and land, added: “The progress we have made over the past year is largely down to the dedication and changes made in our team.
“We continue to be committed to making the service responsive and clear for Islanders.”
