By Julien Morel

Copyright jerseyeveningpost

MEDICINAL cannabis grower Northern Leaf – which is based at Retreat Farm in St Lawrence – has said it is “puzzled” why neighbours were opposed to a planning application designed to dampen the sound of noisy chillers.

That application was rejected by the Planning Committee earlier this month, a decision that it formally ratified last week – something it had to do because its original decision went against the recommendation of the Planning Department.

The business – which has faced vociferous opposition from nearby residents over smells and noises emanating from the cultivator and processor of pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis – said it would now submit an updated application.

At the Planning Committee meeting at the beginning of the month – dedicated solely to Northern Leaf applications – five were passed but the sixth, for an acoustic enclosure covering the existing chiller plant, was a tied vote, so was rejected.

In response to last week’s confirmation of that decision, a spokesperson for the business said: “Since the new management team took over last year, we have worked hard to turn Northern Leaf into a business that the Island can be proud of.

“We have promoted and established a good working relationship with most of our neighbours who appreciate the efforts we have made in addressing historic concerns.

“Of the five applications that were unanimously passed earlier this month, three have already been actioned, thus demonstrating our commitment to rectifying past issues.

“We have to admit that we are somewhat puzzled as to why a small minority of neighbours objected to the sixth application, given that this application would deal with the noise issue they complained about in the first place. Why object to the one thing which resolves the issue they were objecting to? It just doesn’t make sense?”

Neighbour Penny Bromley, who spoke against Northern Leaf’s applications at the Planning Committee meeting earlier this month, said that she had not been able to enjoy her home for the past five years because of the noise and smell.

She added that she was not against the farm per se but there had been a breakdown of trust, not only with Northern Leaf but also with the Planning Department.

She said: “We have a new owner of Northern Leaf who has promised the earth but there is still a deep level of distrust. They have let the neighbours down repeatedly.

“If the chillers were quiet, of course, I would be happy but we have no assurances that these dampening measures will work: where is the evidence that they have been used successfully elsewhere?”

“Also, a tribunal has confirmed that the chillers do not have planning permission. How can we support this dampening structure enclosing the chillers when the chillers themselves don’t have permission?

“There is a lack of respect to us as neighbours.”

The Northern Leaf spokesperson recognised the existence of an Enforcement Notice – issued in January 2024 and reaffirmed by a Royal Court ‘consent order’ last March – to “deconstruct the plant machinery” and the walls surrounding it.

He said: “The company acknowledges the enforcement notice relating to the chillers. The proposed enclosure is the agreed solution to reduce both noise and visual impact, providing benefits to the neighbours.

“In the meantime, strict operational controls remain in place, supported by ongoing monitoring and regular communication with neighbours and government.”

The spokesperson added: “Northern Leaf will soon resubmit its application for the enclosure, ensuring that the Planning Committee’s concerns around design and delivery are fully addressed, resulting in long-term benefits for everyone.

“This is not expansion – it is mitigation. As new owners, we are committed to tackling inherited issues transparently and responsibly. With five consents already secured and a sixth to be resubmitted, we are confident our work will deliver long-term benefits for both the parish and the Island.”