STAFFING problems at Environment mean that building control applications are being sent to the UK. Planning applications are not affected.
Building control checks plans to ensure that insulation, ventilation, light and other such regulations are complied with.
‘This is only being done as a temporary measure as the building control section is currently understaffed following a number of retirements, a problem that is mirroring that in the UK, where the sector is facing a retirement rate of around 40% over a five-year period,’ said Environment minister David De Lisle.
‘A UK company is checking conformity of plans with the Guernsey building regulations - a desk job that takes considerable time. However, all site inspections are still being carried out here by our local staff.’
The building control section at the Environment Department deals with about 3,000 applications each year. Those range from simple drainage connection applications to large-scale building projects such as the schools at Les Nicolles and the new clinical block at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
‘The department has already advertised for senior staff and is currently advertising for a trainee or assistant and hopes to recruit locally.
‘In the meantime, the decision to outsource some of the applications has been taken in order to avoid bringing over short-term contract staff, which is costly, or risk a backlog of applications.’
Building control is a specialised area and it takes between one and two years to train somebody with the relevant experience and a relevant qualification in building.
‘The company is only employed as a temporary measure until replacement staff are recruited and in the meantime I can assure islanders that the UK firm contracted will ensure that applications are dealt with on a timely basis.’
Article posted on 2nd April, 2007 - 12.00am
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