CHIEF MINISTER Lyndon Trott has given his full backing to the new planning appeals system, which could cost the States £1m. a year.

The new Land Planning and Development Law allows people to appeal to a panel about planning decisions made by the Environment Department.

A panel of six has been set up and people will be charged if they want to make such an appeal. However, the charges will levy only an estimated £40,000 whereas the cost of running the appeals could come close to £1m.

Deputy Trott (pictured) thought the right to appeal was very important.

‘I am strongly supportive of the new system,’ he said.

‘In fact, I moved the amendment in June 2002 which ensured that a proper appeals process in which everyone should have confidence is finally in place.’

So far no tribunals have been held because the system applies to decisions made after 6 April only.