An open session of Executive Council in Planning (ECiP) was held on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 in the Council Chamber.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

The Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Patricia Coyle and Planning Officer (PO) Petra Joshua were in attendance.

At the meeting:

There were no declarations of Conflict of Interest.

For each of the four applications listed below, Minister Karl Thrower set out the context before handing over to the CPO and PO to describe the applications and recommendations as outlined in the documentation.

The following two applications were presented by the PO.  HE The Governor then followed by opening the floor for questions and discussion which centred on the recommended conditions.

Development Application – Construction of a One-bedroom Dwelling at East Lodge, near Gordon’s Post (ECIP Memo 05/2026)

Minister Karl Thrower and the Attorney General confirmed that they dive regularly with the applicant, the Chief Minister confirmed the applicant as a friend of her children.

The Development Application is being referred to the Governor in Council under section 23(2)(b)(i) of the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance 2013. This is required when the Planning Authority considers that approving an application would be inconsistent with the Development Plan, but that other relevant planning considerations may justify granting permission.

Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be granted, with Conditions, as recommended for the Proposed Construction of a one-bedroom dwelling at East Lodge, near Gordon’s Post.

It was noted that approving the application could be perceived as setting a precedent. However, on balance, it was agreed that the material planning considerations listed were sufficiently outside of precedence.

Executive Council in Planning therefore agreed with the LDCA’s decision and approved the granting of full development permission.

Development Application – Installation of Covered Area at the Mule Yard (retrospective) (ECIP Memo 06/2026)

The Development Application is being referred to Governor in Council in accordance with the Direction issued under section 23(1) of the Land Development Control Ordinance 2013 which requires all applications within fifty metres of the sea to be referred to Governor in Council (unless specific exclusions apply).

Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be granted, with Conditions, as recommended for the, Installation of Covered Area at the Mule Yard (retrospective).

This is a retrospective application seeking to retain the already installed additional covered area that is attached to the food outlet at The Mule Yard.

It was recognised that, although the structure was located within the fortifications, the roof of the existing structure did not form part of them. Consideration was also given to the nearby tree, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

It was highlighted that this was the second retrospective application submitted by the same licensee for development on SHG-leased property. Members wished to discourage repeated non-compliance with the planning process and agreed that the matter should be raised as an action point at the next Executive Council meeting.

Executive Council in Planning agreed with the LDCA’s decision and granted retrospective full development permission, subject to conditions.

The following applications were presented by the CPO.  The Governor then followed by opening the floor for questions and discussion which centred on the recommended conditions.

Development Application: Installation of Wastewater Treatment Plant at The Guns, Half Tree Hollow (ECIP Memo 08/2026)

Governor in Council is asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be approved with conditions, as recommended for the installation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant at “The Guns”, Half Tree Hollow.

The Development Application is being referred to Governor in Council in accordance with the Direction issued on 14th June 2022 under section 23(1) of the Land Development Control Ordinance 2013 which requires the referral of applications for development of land for Utilities infrastructure of public supply, and whether in public or private ownership (including sewerage). This development would be for sewerage infrastructure.

Members recognised the importance of the development while remaining mindful of its proximity to historic buildings and a public sporting amenity. They gave considerable weight to the public’s concerns raised through the planning process. These concerns included how the proposed wastewater treatment plant would affect the historic character of the Heritage Coast Conservation Area, odour, impact on near recreational facilities, and whether the plans had provided enough detail for the proposal to be properly assessed. These concerns formed part of the planning decision. Members noted that the new plant is expected to reduce odours associated with the existing septic tanks. The planning officer stated that significant odour is unlikely during normal operation because of the plant’s enclosed design and its distance from nearby homes, but acknowledged that odour may occur during periodic cleaning or maintenance. The need for the public to be informed about planned maintenance times was agreed. After serious consideration Members agreed that the maintenance operations were better managed through the new utilities licence rather than through planning conditions.

Executive Council in Planning therefore approved the granting of full development permission, subject to the conditions cited by the LDCA and the addition of Condition 14. This is a requirement for the larger part of the construction to be covered in wood timber slats to reduce the visual impact.

Development Application – Installation of Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sand Yard, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 07/2026)

Governor in Council is asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be approved with conditions, as recommended for the installation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant at The Sand Yard, Jamestown.

The Development Application is being referred to Governor in Council in accordance with the Direction issued on 14th June 2022 under section 23(1) of the Land Development Control Ordinance 2013 which requires the referral of applications for development of land for Utilities infrastructure of public supply, and whether in public or private ownership (including sewerage). This development would be for sewerage infrastructure.

Members discussed the concerns raised through the planning process which included how the proposed wastewater treatment plant would affect the historic character of the Heritage Coast Conservation Area, odour, impact on near food outlets, and whether the plans had provided enough detail for the proposal to be properly assessed. The Planning Office acknowledged that drawings were missing at first and says revised plans were issued for further consultation. It was noted that the plant would not resolve the bottlenecks in the existing sewerage network, as these were caused by the limited capacity of the pipes in the catchment area leading to the plant, which fell outside the scope of this application.

Condition 13 was approved which includes strict time restrictions on the planned maintenance.

Executive Council in Planning approved the granting of full development permission, subject to all Conditions cited by the LDCA. It was also agreed that an additional Condition 14 should be added. This is a requirement for the larger part of the construction to be covered in wood timber slats to reduce the visual impact.

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