According to a recent Government release, Cabinet has approved five appointments to the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal.
Chairman Mr. Marvin Flax Jr., Mr. Bennet Smith, Ms. Kamika Forbes, Mrs. Marva Titley Smith and Mr. Jerome Frett will serve for four months effective from January 21 to May 22.
According to the “Physical Planning Act, 2004 Part VIII, Section 65”, The tribunal shall consist of five members who are responsible for “examining issues between applicants who seek development approval and Physical Planning Authorities who decide the outcome of the respective development application.”
Schedule 4 of the Act outlines that members are to be selected “among persons trained and experienced in specific planning related areas and professions such as architect, lawyer, engineer, environmental, coastal/marine and physical planning.”
Subsequently, planning applicants who are dissatisfied with Planning Authorities decisions may appeal said decisions via the Appeals Tribunal. The release notes that “the tribunal is to also determine the merits of an appeal of the authorities’ decision.”
According to an earlier release inviting applicants to apply for membership to the Appeals Tribunal, the position of Chairman, filled by Mr. Flax, entails being “capable to preside at all meetings of the Appeals Tribunal” as well as authenticating Tribunal decisions.