Planning ‘corruption’: Cohen orders inquiry

Saturday 2nd October 2010, 3:00PM BST.

Senator Freddie Cohen

ENVIRONMENT Minister Freddie Cohen is calling for an investigation into allegations made by Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey about planning corruption on a grand scale.

Senator Cohen is to ask Chief Minister Terry Le Sueur to launch an investigation into claims made in the Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday by Deputy Labey that she had evidence that a ‘network’ of individuals had been involved in making corrupt planning decisions relating to rezoned land.

The Planning Minister said that although he had full confidence in the department’s integrity and confidence in its officers, it was important that an investigation was held so the public were able to retain confidence in the planning service.

Deputy Labey made the allegations while giving evidence at an abuse of process hearing initiated by her former partner, former Senator Stuart Syvret who faces data protection and driving offence charges.

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