The planning inspectors’ report comprehensively reflects on and scrutinises the proposals and policies in the draft Bridging Island Plan and the issues raised during consultation, by taking into consideration the valuable input of both the public and States Members. The Minister’s response considers, and responds to, the comments and recommendations that the planning inspectors have made. 

The Minister is minded to accept the majority of the commentary and recommendations made by the inspectors’ in their report. Many of these comments and recommendations support either the States Member amendments or the Minister’s post-consultation response but also add value to help improve the plan.

The position of the Minister expressed in this report is not necessarily definitive. It is a current position following the consideration of the inspectors’ report in January 2022. The Minister will continue to consider matters as next the stages to develop the plan continue to progress. This includes careful consideration of the final round of States Member amendments and participation in the States’ debate, which is due to start 14 March 2022.

The Minister will, where relevant and necessary, present his own amendments to address the recommendations which he is minded to support and which are not otherwise dealt with by previously lodged amendments.