Minister makes announcement during 2012 Budget Debate on : New Approach on Planning & the Economy

A Draft Planning Policy Statement on Planning & the Economy, is being published for consultation today by the Department of Infrastructure to coincide with an announcement as part of the budget debate by David Cretney, Minister for Infrastructure. This will detail how planning can support the economy here in the Isle of Man.

In launching the consultation, David Cretney, Minister for Infrastructure said “The Government is committed to promoting a strong, stable, and productive economy that aims to bring jobs and prosperity for all. In doing so the Government is committed to delivering further economic growth and diversification.”

“Achieving sustainable economic growth requires a fast, efficient and responsive planning system that includes a presumption in favour of development whilst protecting the countryside and enhancing the quality of the natural and built environment, which supports growth alongside regeneration, social and environmental sustainability, and has a greater emphasis on the quality of design.”

“It is essential that the planning system considers, and makes appropriate provision for the identified national needs of the entire economy and assists in steering economic development to the most appropriate locations.”

Mr Cretney went on to say: “In the national interest, it is important that Planning Officers, the Planning Committee and Planning Inspectors adopt a positive and constructive approach to determining planning applications and Appeals for economic development, taking account of advice from the Department of Economic Development on the indicated economic benefits of the development, alongside social and environmental issues.”

Mr Cretney concluded by saying: “I would therefore urge everyone who has an opinion about economic development on the Island to consider and respond to this consultation document.”

Howard Quayle, Chairman of the Planning Committee went on to say: “I would urge planning applicants proposing development, which will provide significant economic benefits, to work with the Department of Economic Development to ensure that the economic benefits associated with a proposed project are clearly demonstrated and assessed before submitting a planning application. This will enable myself and the Planning Committee to give adequate consideration to economic matters along with social and environmental issues in the decision making process.”