Development Minister states opposition to some stop orders
The controversy over the issuing of stop orders by some parish councils on developers of hotel projects has taken a new twist.
Minister of Development, Donald Buchanan, has now entered the fray and is taking Parish Councils to task over what he says has been the hasty issuing of stop orders on hotels under construction.
The Minister says he is particularly concerned about the controversy surrounding action taken against developers of Spanish hotels.
In a statement late on Wednesday, Mr. Buchanan questioned some of the decisions as he says the infractions do not appear to be serious enough to warrant stop orders.
The Minister later told RJR News that while he supports parish councils and regulatory bodies, greater recognition should be given to the repercussions arising from the issuing of stop orders.
He says the Government is aware that the existing approvals process is inefficient and will be taking steps to remedy the problem.
Mr. Buchanan disclosed that the Government plans to table proposals which call for a speedier processing of applications for major construction projects.
In the meantime, the Association of Local Government Authorities, which represents Parish Councils, has fired back at Mr. Buchanan.
The Association says Parish Councils will not bow to pressure from the Government and will continue to take action against developers who operate in breach of the law.
The latest stop order was issued by the St. James Parish Council on the developers of the Riu Hotel two weeks ago.
The Council says it took action as construction was taking place without the requisite approval.
The controversy over the issuing of stop orders by some parish councils on developers of hotel projects has taken a new twist.
Minister of Development, Donald Buchanan, has now entered the fray and is taking Parish Councils to task over what he says has been the hasty issuing of stop orders on hotels under construction.
The Minister says he is particularly concerned about the controversy surrounding action taken against developers of Spanish hotels.
In a statement late on Wednesday, Mr. Buchanan questioned some of the decisions as he says the infractions do not appear to be serious enough to warrant stop orders.
The Minister later told RJR News that while he supports parish councils and regulatory bodies, greater recognition should be given to the repercussions arising from the issuing of stop orders.
He says the Government is aware that the existing approvals process is inefficient and will be taking steps to remedy the problem.
Mr. Buchanan disclosed that the Government plans to table proposals which call for a speedier processing of applications for major construction projects.
In the meantime, the Association of Local Government Authorities, which represents Parish Councils, has fired back at Mr. Buchanan.
The Association says Parish Councils will not bow to pressure from the Government and will continue to take action against developers who operate in breach of the law.
The latest stop order was issued by the St. James Parish Council on the developers of the Riu Hotel two weeks ago.
The Council says it took action as construction was taking place without the requisite approval.
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