Review into consultations after Apple Crusher backlash

Tuesday, 29 September 2026 12:38

By Harry Booth

Jersey's Infrastructure Minister says he will examine how his department runs consultations after a backlash to now-ditched plans to move the King Street Apple Crusher.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf inherited the proposal, but has dropped it after a public backlash over recent days.

It started when the Parish of St Helier put out a post last week, asking if people agree with the idea of relocating it.

Hundreds of islanders responded, urging the government to keep it where it is.

Deputy Renouf's initial response said proposals showing its removal had been publicly available, including at a public exhibition over a year ago, and warned that 'any substantial redesign' would result in additional cost and delays.

However, many islanders said they weren't aware of the plans, as did St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner.

Constable Gardiner said:

"The government needs to look at what questions are asked, and how the responses from the consultation is published and communicated.

"I was aware about the consultation on Broad Street and I was clear about this consultation, but I never picked up that the Apple Crusher needs to be moved.

"I think when we are speaking about the plans that develop following the consultation, it needs to more detailed and very clearly communicated in simple English.

"Not too complex drawings, not too many pages, in very simple English because when you ask simple questions - do we want the Apple Crusher to be relocated, yes or no, it was very clearly no."

When asked about the consultation in the States Assembly, Deputy Renouf said he agrees that there is a lesson to learn.

He said:

"There was engagement. The parish was heavily engaged, the current Constable takes a different view on the Apple Crusher to her predecessor, who was highly supportive of moving it. There were two public drop-ins as well that were held some time ago.

"I think a good lesson to learn from these things is that you think you've engaged but you should always assume that when you've done loads of engagement, you may have only just touched the beginnings of the process, you can never have too much.

"I think I will certainly be reviewing how we do that in relation to these kinds of schemes."