Following on from the eight–day seminar programme between the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Delegation and Councillors, the induction process continues, with scheduled briefing sessions between Councillors, Heads of Directorates, Senior Officials and Enterprise St Helena.

These include sessions with Environment & Natural Resources, Education & Employment and Health & Social Welfare.

These initial discussions will allow Councillors to better understand the work of Directorates, to meet the staff delivering services and to ask questions. The induction programme for Councillors has the overall aim of strengthening and promoting good Governance in St Helena.

The briefing sessions scheduled are shown below.

BRIEFING SESSIONS WITH SHG DIRECTORATES & ESH
Enterprise St Helena Wednesday, 7 August,12 noon (inc. hosting lunch) ESH Offices an 2 on Main
Environment & Natural Resources Directorate Thursday, 8 August, 9 am ENRD Offices
Education & Employment Directorate Monday, 12 August,1 pm AVEC
Health & Social Welfare Directorate Tuesday, 13 August,1 pm H&SW Conference Room
Corporate Services
(Corporate Support
Corporate Policy & Planning
Corporate Finance
Corporate HR
Internal Audit ) Wednesday, 14 August, 9 am Council Chamber
Airport Project Directorate Thursday, 15 August (time TBC) Council Chamber
Police Directorate Friday, 16 August, 1.30 pm Council Chamber

SHG
6 August 2013

The boil water notice in the Levelwood area that was initially announced on 5 July 2013 has now been lifted. Testing carried out in the area by Environmental Health indicates that water is now safe for domestic use.

The water quality still cannot be guaranteed in the Half Tree Hollow area. Residents there are asked to continue to boil water intended for domestic purposes as a precautionary measure.

On behalf of Connect Saint Helena Ltd
6 August 2013

New housing for Half Tree Hollow moves a step closer this week with the publication of a draft layout for the Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) in Half Tree Hollow (attached). The proposals have been sent to residents in and around the CDA for their comments before a planning application is submitted. The designs for individual homes will also be circulated for comment.

Housing Executive, Andy Crowe said:

“Back in March we asked for comments through the Housing Newsletter, the Business Seminar at Prince Andrew School and a drop-in session at the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre. We also consulted SHG departments responsible for the environment, drainage, roads and planning.

“The problems of sewerage and water retention were high among most peoples’ priorities. The steep slopes and the rocky surface make it a very difficult site to develop, but there is clearly a demand for all types of housing – to buy, rent and self-build – so we hope to be able to offer everyone an opportunity.”

Few residents commented in March but Andy expects more to do so once they see the draft layout and plans for the houses.

Residents within and adjacent to the CDA have been invited to a workshop starting at the earlier time of 5pm on Tuesday 20 August at the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre (please note revised date). There are also posters on display in Half Tree Hollow and it is hoped that members of the public who wish to comment at this stage will do so.

Andy explained that there will be further opportunity to comment as part of the normal planning process, but by offering this extra an early opportunity, he believes people will be more content with the final result.

He said:

“Planning is always a sensitive matter and it is usually impossible to satisfy everyone, but I hope to show that we will make changes where there is a good argument to do so.”

Comments should be sent in writing to Andy Crowe, Housing Executive, Essex House, Jamestown or via email at andy-crowe@enrd.gov.sh by no later than 20 August 2013.

Note to Editor:

Please note the change of date, which will allow time to circulate house designs ahead of the meeting.

SHG
6  August 2013

The Land Development Control Authority proposes to introduce a General Development Order which, if approved by ExCo, will mean that the public will no longer need to submit development applications for a range of small, uncontentious development proposals.

The General Development Order will create 14 categories of “Permitted Development” which, provided specific limitations and conditions are met, will no longer need a development application. The specific limitations and conditions are necessary to ensure the right balance between, on the one hand, removing controls and on the other hand, avoiding bad-neighbour developments and harm to the Island’s heritage.

To help in finding the right balance, the Land Development Control Authority would like your views.

The wording of the draft General Development Order is relatively complicated, to make it comprehensive without creating loopholes that could result in poor development. An explanatory guide is therefore available with it and they are both available from Essex House and from the Public Library, Jamestown. Digital copies are also available on the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh

Comments on the draft General Development Order should be submitted in writing to the Planning Officer, Essex House, Jamestown, not later than Friday 30 August.

All comments will be presented to the Land Development Control Authority and, as part of transparency and openness of the Planning Service, will also be available to the public.

The Authority’s recommendations will be presented to Council Committee and Executive Council for a final decision.

Alfred Isaac, Planning Officer
David Taylor, Head of Planning & Development Control
SHG
5 August 2013

 PARKING ON GRAND PARADE

Following the resurfacing of the Grand Parade parking areas earlier this year, the Roads Section will shortly be marking new lines for the Parking Bays. The bays will be repainted in a different layout to how it worked before.  This change has been approved by the Highway Authority

Concerns have been raised about vehicles parking indiscriminately on Event and Ship days, blocking vehicles into spaces. The previous layout did not adapt easily to these special occasions, where the demand for parking far outstrips the available spaces and some drivers feel that they have no option but to block someone else.

We have thus rotated the main area through ninety degrees. On Event or Ship days, special authorisation can be given for parking on the end of rows, without blocking other cars.  On normal days, parking will be limited to the marked spaces.

Following concerns raised by the public over the size of the spaces, these have been widened to provide greater space for drivers to get in and out of their vehicles. These changes mean that there will be reduction of two marked spaces in regular use.

The Roads Section would like to thank drivers who have been parking responsibly in the Grand Parade during the short time without the markings. We request that drivers continue this practice until the new lines are laid down.

Attached: Plan showing the new layout, plus photo of parking on Grand Parade (being blocked in) and general photo of parking on Grand Parade.

SHG

5 August 2013