WITH just one day to go to a historic milestone for government in Guernsey, it’s already shaping up to a memorable one.

Tomorrow, will see the island’s first ever open planning meeting, where islanders and media will have the chance to see Environment decision-making in action.

Previously confidential, such discussions will now be there for all to see in a move aimed at opening up the planning process.

Readers will know that the Guernsey Press is frequently calling for transparency in local government which is why we, along with many others, will be watching tomorrow’s events at Beau Sejour with interest.

It certainly promises not to disappoint with first up the highly controversial Coupee Lane development that planners have recommended the board approves. The proposal, which has split neighbours’ opinion, is likely to attract a crowd – which could be why Environment has already said that seating will be on a  first-come, first-served basis.

Some criticisms already levelled at the new arrangements include that interested parties may struggle to make weekday meetings at 9am. There will also be no opportunity for the public to speak at the meetings.

But nevertheless, this has to be seen as a step in the right direction by Environment  which, in terms of its strategy for the planning process at least, is fast making progress.

Islanders will recall its recent roadshow at the Friquet Garden Centre, which those who got the chance to meet planning experts for advice before submitting applications hailed as a great success. Planners are also pledging to increase their decision timescale targets next month to 80% of applications within eight weeks and 90% in 13.

Putting openness and efficiency on the agenda are commendable, if ambitious, objectives, which we all very much hope will be met. As the Environment minister himself has stated, planning is a key area ‘of very real public interest’  making it important that the board’s work is ‘as transparent and accountable as possible’.

Just how well this will all pan out and how extensive the discussions are remains to be seen, as the meeting is billed to last for about an hour.

What is significant about all this, however, is that anything stated will now be witnessed by the public and reported by the media.

The conduct and statements of members will be scrutinised and held to account – which has to be a good thing.