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The Managing Director of a construction firm has commended politicians for setting up a Developer Forum, to help drill down into industry concerns and ways to address them.
The Development & Planning Authority has extended an invitation to developers in the island to attend an initial forum meeting, where those in the industry can share ideas and raise concerns with the planning process.
“We appreciate that there are many complex issues, particularly at present, which impact on the industry,” said President of the D&PA, Deputy Victoria Oliver.
“It will also be an opportunity to hear about concerns and take industry feedback on what the States could be doing better.”
Pictured: “We want to hear ideas and discuss potential solutions to some of the most pressing development issues, such as availability of land and regeneration of our towns,” said Deputy Oliver.
The idea has been welcomed by construction firms in the island, with the Managing Director of the Infinity Group describing it as a constructive way forward.
“It’s not a case of complaining or moaning, it’s a case of making things better for each other,” said Paul Nobes.
“I think the more people they involve with some of the decision-making the better, so it’s not just the same people making decisions. I think the more information they get from different sectors is good, from developers and estate agents for example, to see what they need,” he said.
Mr Nobes said discussions between industry and politicians have been going on for some time.
“I think what the D&PA is doing is the right thing, I think Deputy Oliver has taken a lot of opinions on board; we’ve had a few meetings with her lately that have been extremely positive, and with Deputy David Mahoney as well,” he said.
Pictured: The D&PA is working on a new online platform to speed up the planning application process. Chris Le Tissier no longer sits on the committee after being suspended without pay from the States Assembly. His replacement will be appointed by the States this month.
Staffing issues and a booming construction industry have caused numerous difficulties for those applying for planning permission, difficulties which Mr Nobes said are affecting the D&PA too.
“The issue generally is the time it takes to get through the planning process, but to be honest its extremely difficult for planning at the moment, especially with staffing issues like the rest of the departments have. On the whole, they do a marvelous job,” he said.
“At the minute everything the D&PA are doing and everything the planners are doing is incredibly positive, and anything like this is a positive step from our point of view,” concluded Mr Nobes.
Developers have until the 15 September to contact the D&PA if they want to attend the first forum meeting.
Interested parties are asked to email developmentandplanning@gov.gg
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