There are still "some wounds to heal" between Jersey's planning department and property developers, according to the author of a review of the department.

Jim MacKinnon - the Scottish government's former Chief Planner - was brought in to overhaul the department, making 17 recommendations to improve things in April 2023.

In a progress report published a year later, Mr MacKinnon says there have been "significant improvements" to the service following his initial review last year, but there's still "more to be done than had been expected".

He says developers feel planning applications are being processed more quickly, but turnaround times "remain below reasonable expectations".

Other outstanding issues include a perceived lack of leadership, a 20% rise in applications awaiting a decision, and continuing difficulties faced by islanders trying to contact the department for advice.

Jersey's Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, says he accepts Mr MacKinnon's findings in principle and has promised to publish short, medium and long-term plans for the department by the end of April 2024.