New Jersey hospital plans rejected for second time
Jersey's hospital should not be rebuilt on its existing site, the island's planning minister has ruled.
Deputy John Young turned down a second application for the £466m rebuild at the current site. Deputy Young cited concerns over the development's impact on heritage, nearby residents, and its appearance. The search for a new hospital site in Jersey started seven years ago, and it was hoped it could be ready for patients by 2025. Deputy Young said: "My conclusion is that while the public interest benefits are significant, I don't believe they outweigh the serious impact of this specific proposal." "I recognise my decision will lead to more work in order to resolve these issues," he added. More than 50 sites had previously been considered for the new hospital, before being narrowed down to just four sites in St Helier, including the current site in the Parade, Overdale Hospital and the St Helier Waterfront. More stories and news from Jersey. Timeline: Jersey's new hospital Among the latest concerns raised about the rebuild was the "serious harm" it would cause to a 19th Century listed building on the site, and to other historic buildings nearby. Deputy Young was also concerned by the size of the development, which would have led to "unreasonable harm" to nearby residents' living conditions. The size, height and mass of the design was also criticised, as it would "result in a building that would be too large for this restricted site", Deputy Young said. The planning inspector had not been able to recommend any other sites for the hospital because it would be too imposing wherever it was put, he added.