Planning application for fatal flat explosion site due next year

A minister has announced that a planning application for the location of a fatal block of flats explosion, which resulted in 10 deaths, is scheduled for submission next year. St Helier South Deputy David Warr posed a written question to Housing Minister Sam Mezec, inquiring about the progress made concerning the future of the Haut du Mont residential block site, located on Pier Road in St Helier. The explosion, which occurred around 04:00 GMT on 10 December 2022, claimed the lives of ten individuals. Mezec responded that efforts were advancing towards the “finalisation of plans,” with their submission anticipated early next year. Deputy Warr’s inquiry also sought information on the extent of engagement with bereaved families and residents displaced by the incident concerning the site’s future. Mezec stated in reply: “Engagement has taken place with bereaved families and displaced residents, all of whom have been kept updated throughout and have contributed their thoughts and opinions to the ongoing process.” In October, the States of Jersey Police and the Health and Safety Inspectorate announced that initial case files, comprising evidence, documents, and expert opinions, had been handed over to the Law Officers Department for the consideration of potential charges related to the explosion. Three men, apprehended on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, underwent interviews and were subsequently released on bail in August 2023. They have not been charged, and Jersey’s police chief indicated in April that no further arrests were anticipated.