A government Minister’s record on overturing planning appeal decisions has been set out in the House of Keys.

DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot’s latest decision to reject a planning inspector’s recommendation involved the former Farmers’ Combine in Ramsey.

The warehouse, which had been given listed status, has now been reduced to a pile of rubble.

In the Keys, Mr Boot was asked how many times he and his political members have overturned an inspector’s recommendations.

He replied that in 2020 there were 29 appeals, two which were withdrawn and one which he overturned.

In 2019, there were 68 appeals, of which two were withdrawn, and three were overturned or changed by him or a delegated member, plus one where there was a split decision.

In 2018, there were 53 appeals, four were withdrawn, and Mr Boot overturned or changed the determination on four of those plus one where there was a split decision.

’In other words, I accepted part of the inspector’s recommendations and issued a notice accordingly,’ he said.

In 2017 there were 70 appeals, and Mr Boot overturned or changed three where there were split decisions.

Mr Boot’s decision can be challenged through a petition of doleance application.

But he added: ’We take these decisions carefully and take legal advice and obviously planning advice.’

Planning committee chairman Tim Baker pointed out that the planning inspector does not actually make a decision in an appeal situation, but makes a recommendation for the Minister to consider.

Mr Baker said: ’The Minister or his delegate is the decision-maker. He is not overturning the decision of the inspector, he is considering the inspector’s recommendation and then making this decision.’ In 2019, Mr Boot approved an application by Shearwater Properties to de-register the old Farmers’ Combine on West Quay, Ramsey.

This was despite a planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the application due to the building’s historical interest.

A planning inspector upheld an appeal by MNH.

But Mr Boot dismissed the appeal.