Expert praises castle decision process

Mont Orgueil is one of Jersey's largest castles

The process of deciding on plans for one of Jersey's oldest and most famous landmarks has been praised by a UK expert on historic monuments.

The island's Planning Committee approved the majority of proposals for Mont Orgueil Castle on Thursday after months of consultation and debate.

Peter White, secretary of the Royal Commission for the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales, was called in to scrutinise how decisions were reached.

He said there was more public consultation in the process than he had ever seen in the UK.

Sufficient information

Mr White has 35 years of experience working with castles and historic monuments and advising government ministers in Westminster.

He was called in by the Planning Committee, which wanted an independent view of the way it had considered the Jersey Heritage Trust's plans for Mont Orgueil.

He said the committee had sufficient information to reach its decisions, which he said were consistent and compliant with Jersey law and international policies.

A controversial plan to put a roof over the Tudor Great Hall was approved.

But proposals to put conference and function facilities in one part of the castle, and to put toilets in the D-shaped space, were rejected.