Fahy: Still Waiting For Planning Decision

Shadow Minister of the Environment Michael Fahy noted that we are still waiting for the planning review decision, and said “perhaps the Government will be transparent enough to advise the public of the outcome of the review before the New Year.”

Walter Roban resigned from his position as Minister for Public Works in November, after coming under fire for his decision to allow Planning appeals by fellow Cabinet Ministers Wayne Furbert and Zane Desilva.

Last month, Government said the appeals were declared void because Mr Roban had already left the Environment and Planning portfolio before his Parliamentary colleagues had been notified.

In mid-November the newly appointed Minister of the Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Marc Bean said he will review the planning files, and make a decision on the appeals.

Mr Fahy said, “Several weeks ago the PLP Government advised that Minister of the Environment Mark Bean would be reviewing the decisions made by then Minister Roban in November 2011 in respect of planning applications where Ministers DeSilva and Furbert had an interest.

“We are still waiting for the decision based on this review to be announced. I made mention of this in the Senate that I hoped a decision would be announced before Christmas. No decision was forthcoming. Perhaps the Government will be transparent enough to advise the public of the outcome of the review before the New Year.

“In the OBA’s view the Minister at the time, Minister Roban, should have simply followed advice from the independent inspector. We trust Minister Bean will do exactly that.

“Our environment is our most precious resource. It needs to be protected. We must review again our planning laws to prevent the kind of behaviour exhibited in these instances from happening again.”

A spokesperson for the Environment Ministry said that when a decision is made, the public will be notified.

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Category: All, Environment