Planning Panelhearing appeals about planning decisions
What does the Planning Panel do?
Process
The Planning Panel consists of the Chair, the Vice-Chair, plus up to seven other members, some of whom are appointed as professional members and have particular experience and professional qualifications in planning–related matters.
If a member of the public appeals against a planning decision, a Tribunal of three may be selected from the Planning Panel. One of the members of that Tribunal is an experienced planning inspector, the other two are members of the public with relevant experience.
The Tribunal members review the appeal papers before the hearing and prepare questions to ask.
At the hearing, Tribunal members hear evidence from, and ask questions of, the person making the appeal and also the planning officers from the Development and Planning Authority.
The Tribunal members make a decision based on the evidence, facts and material which was before the Development and Planning Authority when it made its decision.
The Chair of the Tribunal writes up the decision and the other members review it before it is sent to both parties in the case.
What does a Planning Panel member do?
As a member of the Planning Panel, you will be:
- Analysing documents and examining evidence carefully and impartially
- Listening to, and questioning, both parties in the case
- Working as a team to make a decision
- Reviewing a written summary of your conclusions
How do you get appointed?
Recruitment process
From time to time, the Planning Panel will advertise for new members to replace someone who has stepped down.
You will be asked to submit you CV and a covering letter and, if shortlisted, you will be interviewed by a member of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure and Panel members.
The names of successful candidates will be submitted by the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure to the States of Deliberation for approval.
Appointments are for six years but you can resign by giving notice in writing before the end of your term.
Exclusions
There are a number of jobs that exclude you from being a member of the Planning Panel, including a States Deputy or having worked for the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure.
There is a full list of exclusions in section 1 of the 2016 Annual Report of the Planning Panel.
What skills do you need?
Skills
You do not have to have a detailed understanding of current planning legislation and policy when you apply but you will be required to study the legislation to increase your understanding.
What support or training is there?
Support
You will be supported by the Panel Secretary who will schedule meetings, prepare paperwork and answer any questions you may have. You will also be supported by the Chair and Vice-Chair and the other members of the Panel.
Training
You will receive two separate days of training, each held at a time during the week that is convenient to those being trained.
The training will cover the skills needed by tribunal members generally, plus specific knowledge relating to planning legislation and policy in Guernsey.
What's the time commitment?
Time commitment
The time commitment varies but most cases require you to be able to commit to half a day of pre-reading, a day for the hearing itself and another day to review the draft decision.
The Panel receives between 20 and 25 appeals per year and, of these cases, between 12 to 15 lead to a hearing.
As only three members of the nine-person Panel sit on each Tribunal, you will not be needed for every hearing.
Do you get paid?
Remuneration
You may claim £76 per half day, which includes the time taken to prepare for the hearing, the hearing itself and reviewing the written decision.
Reasonable expenses will be paid, including transport from other islands in the Bailiwick.
Rewards and downsides
Rewards
You will be part of a fair and transparent process which allows the Guernsey public to appeal against planning decisions in an accessible and affordable way.
You will be asked to consider a wide variety of cases and will develop a deeper understanding of planning issues in Guernsey
Downsides
Some cases can be very complex and detailed.
Where can I find out more?
More information
Go to gov.gg/planningpanel for detailed information about the Planning Panel including an archive of previous tribunal decisions, annual reports and contact details for the Secretary of the Panel.
Guernsey Press article: Tribunal backs DPA over historic windows
Guernsey Press article: Planning appeal panel overturns DPA rejection of coast cottage rebuild.
Download this information
To turn all of this information about the Planning Panel into a PDF, click the ‘download info as PDF’ button at the bottom of this page.
Corrections
This description of the role of a member of the Planning Panel has been researched by Women in Public Life volunteers. If you spot an error, or have a question, please do let us know by emailing hello@womeninpubliclife.gg.
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