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The political body tasked with overseeing all development across Guernsey has lost its Vice-President, while the Authority President doesn't seem to know why.
Deputy Andy Taylor announced at 09:00 today that he was tendering his resignation from the Development and Planning Authority.
This came just thirty minutes before the start of an Open Planning Meeting - seen by many as a critical part of the planning process for large, controversial, or otherwise notable developments.
Today's OPM is about the Leale's Yard application. The land behind the Bridge has been subject to numerous planning applications in the past, some of which have been passed but no building work has yet happened. If today's OPM sees permission given, the area could be redeveloped as a mix of retail and housing.
Pictured: The planning officers have recommended the Leale's Yard plans are approved with a number of conditions.
Deputy Taylor's announcement at 09:00 revealed that he has concerns about "conflicts of interest" within the Authority. He accused other members of "pre-determination" of the Leale's Yard application ahead of today's open planning meeting.
The Authority's Vice President said he was resigning over its alleged mishandling of the Co-op's application for a landmark commercial and residential development on 13 acres of land behind the shops on the Bridge seafront.
Deputy Taylor said that he was resigning "with great disappointment" from a seat he has held since his election as a deputy in October 2020.
"I will not be answering questions on [my] statement, but will likely expand on my reasoning in an upcoming meeting of the States of Deliberation," he told Express Senior Reporter Matt Fallaize.
Express approached the President of the Authority, Deputy Victoria Oliver, at just after 06:30 for her reaction to her Vice President's resignation, but no comment had been received by 09:00.
Shortly after 09:00 the Express news team received a request from the States Communications' Team for a copy of Deputy Taylor's statement.
Pictured: Deputy Andy Taylor (top right) has quit as Vice President of the Development and Planning Authority. Deputy Victoria Olive (top left) and (bottom l-r) Deputies John Dyke, Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and Bob Murray remain.
Express reporter Kit Hannah, who is at the Open Planning Meeting at Beau Sejour said that there was only a brief reference to Deputy Taylor's resignation at the outset of the meeting.
"As some might have noticed there are only four of us here... Deputy Taylor has very sadly decided to resign," said Deputy Oliver.
She was seen reading the Express article with the news of Deputy Taylor's resignation, as was Planning Director Jim Rowles, shortly before the 09:30 meeting started.
All four political members of the DPA confirmed at the start of the OPM that they have no conflict of interest with the planning application at hand.
On face of it, pretty serious allegations on which to base resignation so incumbent on him to give more detail. Report implies he may be seeking to make a personal statement in States next week on which he cannot be questioned but for which he will enjoy parliamentary privilege. https://t.co/EmcqMTgpr7
Deputy Taylor's decision to resign from the DPA appeared to come as a shock to many.
His claims of meetings not being open to all members and minutes not being shared with each member led Deputy Gavin St Pier to describe the situation as involving "pretty serious allegations".
Former Guernsey Press Editor and political commentator Richard Digard called it a "very significant development" while former Deputy and former DPA member Sarah Hansmann Rouxel said the unproven allegations regarding a conflict of interest "cast a shadow over all the DPA members and officers".
By 11:30 there was no formal response yet from the DPA to Deputy Taylor's resignation statement. The political members remain in the Open Planning Meeting with the States Communications team saying a response is likely "later".
Deputy quits DPA - and alleges mishandling of Co-op application
Decision day for Leale's Yard...again
Leale's Yard public meeting next week
Hundreds of Leale's Yard homes recommended - 26 conditions attached
"Leale's Yard a real boost - but the States need to do a lot more"
Co-op plans "good for homes, good for business, good for community"
GHA hopes to add rental and specialist housing to Leale's Yard
Leale's Yard proposals receive mixed reviews from Bridge businesses
Latest plans out for Leale's Yard - with 300+ homes and a new Co-op
Parishes welcome Leale's Yard plans to help rejuvenate The Bridge
Strong support for Leale's Yard plans from senior States' members
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