She said the service to islanders had “not been as good” compared to the period when the entire department had been based at South Hill.
Deputy Renouf admitted that the inability for the public to meet the department’s officers was a “significant issue”.
He said: “That is why we have taken action. I recognise that customer service on planning has not been good enough for the past few years.”
Pictured: Deputy Jonathan Renouf holds responsibility for planning as Environment Minister.
The decision to reinstate public-facing planning officers at Philip Le Feuvre House on La Motte Street comes after a damning review of the planning process was published.
Released this month, the review criticised the difficulties faced by Islanders trying to engage with the planning process, with the lack of a manned reception desk described as “a major surprise” that “came in for strong criticism”.
Deputy Renouf said that La Motte Street was only a “temporary solution”.
“We are aware that it is not ideal, but in a year’s time we will be in a shiny new office,” he said, before adding: “Customer feedback is a fundamental part of improving the service. Staff are aware that they are not delivering the service that Islanders deserve.”
Following the report, the Planning Department confirmed that more officers were also being recruited.
READ MORE…
FOCUS: Action pledge as scathing review calls for “radical improvements” at Planning