Deputy Neil Inder has won backing from States members to take on the Presidency of the Development & Planning Authority, pledging to speed up applications and remove bureaucracy.
Deputy Inder received 22 votes in a secret ballot of politicians this morning, batting off a challenge from Deputy Jayne Ozanne who received 15 votes.
Deputy Ozanne was the pick of previous DPA President, Deputy Yvonne Burford, who left the role after being elected to Policy & Resources following the resignation of Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq.
But a majority of the Assembly decided to back Deputy Inder who said “planning and development has never been more central to Guernsey’s future” in his pitch.
He noted that the DPA is one of the “most influential departments” and indicated he would not shy away from challenging civil servants of “who is in charge” and critical members of the public.
He pointed to recent decisions to retrospectively apply listed status to properties after the submission of a planning application – such as a bunker at Perelle – which he described as “unfair” and “unacceptable”.
Deputy Inder said the DPA requires “fair and decisive leadership” which balances “economic growth with protecting our heritage and identity”.
He pledged to ensure applications were decided “faster and fairer”, simplify the process for smaller sites, introduce new digital tools and commit to a rolling review of the island’s planning laws.
Deputy Inder was nominated by Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and seconded by Deputy Rob Curgenven.
Deputy Kazantseva Miller said he has the skills required to push the DPA’s mandate forward and noted he has “a very good understanding of policies” and has dealt with planning applications throughout his political career.
“We need experienced politicians to take this on”, she added, noting that many applications are dragging on for months which is a barrier to new housing and infrastructure.