DPA to get a new team

Tuesday 28 May 2019

With a year to go before the next election the States committee tasked with deciding on planning applications will have an almost entirely new committee.

The Development and Planning Authority has already got a new President after Deputy John Gollop resigned saying he didn't agree with aspects of the Island Development Plan which was introduced in 2016 to guide planning decisions.

His former Vice President, Deputy Dawn Tindall, was elected to replace him during last week's States meeting.

Immediately afterwards, Deputy Marc Leadbeater informed the Bailiff of his intention to resign as a DPA committee member. That was announced at the end of the States meeting and a replacement committee member will be elected shortly.

Deputy Leadbeater told Express that he thinks a new team would work better to support Deputy Tindall as she leads the DPA. He also called on his fellow committee members to stand down too.

"I feel Deputy Tindall should form her own committee, I believe the others should resign too and allow her to put together a team she believes will help her achieve her aims," he said.

Deputy Leadbeater's decision to stand down from the DPA is the third resignation from the committee this year. Deputy Lester Queripel stood down in February (pictured above) 'citing irreconcilable differences with his fellow political members.

Deputy Gollop's decision to resign as DPA President came following criticism of planning permission given for a new build property at Cobo, a decision Deputy Gollop himself has also criticised.

The decision has also been made to give the IDP a 'top to bottom' review amid that and other public criticism. If funding is given, the DPA will be reviewing the IDP alongside the scheduled five year review which is due in 2021.

The DPA is currently made up of Deputy Dawn Tindall, Deputy Victoria Oliver and Alderney States Member Alex Snowdon (elected to replace Deputy Queripel). 

Pictured top: Deputy Marc Leadbeater and Deputy Dawn Tindall.