A ST Brelade deputy has raised questions about how planning agreements are enforced after it emerged that Strive has failed to communicate the uptake of its free community hours since the sports facility opened in 2021.
The Jersey Sports Academy – which operates as Strive – committed to providing 4,044 free hours of use to local schools and community groups each year as part of its planning obligations agreement.
But asked for an update by Deputy Jonathan Renouf this week, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel admitted that he had not received formal reports from Strive since it opened in 2021.
Planning obligations are legal agreements between a developer and the Environment Minister made to ensure that the implications of new development are balanced by the provision of necessary infrastructure and services.
The agreements may require a developer to provide support for travel and transport,
mitigation of environmental issues, or support for the community.
In relation to Stive, Deputy Morel confirmed that “the required hours for schools and community use have been offered”.
He said in the last 12 months, just over 3,500 hours have been offered for free – around 85% of the available 4,044 hours.
But Deputy Renouf told the JEP that the lack of transparency “shows there’s clearly a more general question about planning obligation agreements”.
“If this isn’t being followed than what else isn’t?” he asked.
