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.

A Draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on Planning & the Economy, has been published for consultation to coincide with an announcement as part of the budget debate by David Cretney, the Minister for Infrastructure. This details how planning can support the economy here in the Isle of Man.

Comments can be sent electronically to planning@gov.im or by post to

Department of Infrastructure
Planning and Building Control Division
Murray House
Mount Havelock
Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 2SF

Due to a large amount of interest, the consultation period is now extended until 5pm on Friday 4th May 2012.

Consultation on Proposed Statutory Documents.

If you experience any difficulties in accessing these documents, please contact Chris Hannon using the details provided below.

The Department of Infrastructure is launching a consultation exercise beginning on 27 January 2012 on the above regulations which introduce Heavy Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing. The Road Transport Regulations are a consolidation of the existing regulations currently in place as a result of the Road Transport Act 2001. The consolidation exercise does not change the existing regulations in any way except to add the Heavy Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing Regulations.

A consultation letter and a copy of the regulations have been sent to HGV drivers and operators inviting comments on the draft regulations and can be viewed within the downloads below.

Should you have any comments on the proposals please forward them to Mr Chris Hannon, Projects Coordinator, Highways Division, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal Buildings, Douglas, IM1 2RF, or by e-mail to Chris.Hannon@gov.im, no later than 5.00 pm on 9 March 2012.

Following a consultation on a Draft Order, a subsequent Public Inquiry and publication of the Inspectors Report, the Department of Infrastructure is proposing to make an Order under section 8 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999. The effect of this Order would be to grant Approval in Principle for the residential development of approximately 1.2 ha of land which lies between Ballakilley Hill and the Lambhill Road, in Bride Village. Copies the Revised Draft Order, and an explanatory statement are attached. Any person wishing to make written representations may do so in writing to the Department at the following address:

Proposed Development Order – Ballakilley, Bride
Department of Infrastructure
Murray House
Mount Havelock
Douglas
Isle of Man

Or electronically to planningpolicy.DOI@gov.im

The fees for an application to lay a submarine cable in the Territorial Waters of the Isle of Man and also for the Department to undertake inspections or works associated with submarine cables came into force on 28th January 2005. Since that date the level of fees has not been amended to take account of inflation. The draft 2012 Regulations contain an uplifted set of fees that take into account inflation from 2005 to date.

OUTCOME: There were no responses to the consultation beyond two written "nil" returns.