Isle of Man Government News

Planning Applications - Publication List

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 07:00:43 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list.

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 8 September 2017.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Copies of the applications are also available for viewing at the Office of Planning and Building Control or via the appropriate Local Authority.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and to enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the 2013 Order) persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

Public Meetings of the Planning Committee

The next public meeting of the Planning Committee is to be held at 10am 4 September 2017, at the Ground Floor Meeting Room, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man.

Copies of the agenda for the meeting are available at least three working days prior to the meeting at the Department, or from the Department’s website.

Copies are also circulated to the Local Authorities.

Members of the public and applicants are welcome to attend the meeting.

Public Speaking at Planning Committee

Please be aware that there is opportunity for persons to speak at the meeting provided they meet the requirements and have registered to do so beforehand.

The process and procedure for doing so is available by contacting the Department on +44 1624 685950 or may be downloaded from the Departments website.

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013
Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013
Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013
Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) (Telecommunications) Order 2013
The Town and Country Planning (Certificates of Lawful Use or Development) Regulations 2005

Subscribe to our email alert

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Provisional A level examination results, 2017

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:31:37 GMT

Key features of the provisional 2017 A level results

The 2017 A level results in the Department of Education and Children (DEC’s) five secondary schools reflect a record standard of achievement for entrants.

There has been a rise in the number of pupils gaining the exceptional A* grade, plus a considerable increase in the percentage of pupils gaining the higher grades of A*-B when compared with all previous years. The overall pass rate (A*-E) of 97.6% is broadly in line with recent years.

As only a small minority of pupils took AS levels, these are not included in the Department’s overall analysis this year.

In the DEC’s five secondary schools, 376 Year 13 pupils were entered for more than 1,100 A levels in nearly 50 subjects.

Some of the key details from the results analysed today are as follows:

The percentage of passes at the higher grades of A*-B was 46.1%, an increase of 4% on last year and the highest since the current grading method was established.
7.8% of Island pupils achieved the A* grade, slightly up from 7.3% last year and the highest since the A* was introduced in 2010.
The Island’s overall A level pass rate (A*-E) was nearly 98%. This was broadly line with 2016 and all other years.
Thanks to sixth form collaboration across secondary schools, the breadth of subjects available has increased in recent years and a range of new subjects have been taken, examples of which are psychology and computer science. One notable new subject is agriculture, which is taught practically through farms. Agriculture saw a large percentage of pupils achieving the highest grades of A* and A in this year’s results.
Using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff system (140 points for grade A*, 120 points for A, 100 for B, 80 for C, 60 for D, 40 for E) the average points score attained per subject entry, at 86, is higher than all previous years since 2010.

Across the Island, individual pupils have achieved outstanding results, with several pupils recording up to four grade A* and A passes.

Joel Smith, School Improvement Adviser with the DEC, said:

‘We have spoken with all five secondary headteachers today and their feedback has been encouraging. The vast majority of pupils have done very well and been able to pursue their chosen pathway or destination.

‘Pupils across the Island have secured positive results, given their respective starting points, and whether their next step is in employment or higher education, they have an ideal platform to continue their learning.’

Headteachers have remarked on the high attainment and excellent achievement of particular pupils.

One pupil attained four A* grades across four subjects and, following a gap year, will be off to study medicine at Queens University, Belfast. Another pupil, who achieved three A* and one A grade, has taken up an offer to study computer science at Oxford University.

Several pupils have managed to achieve great things through adversity. One pupil, who has been an inspiration to his peers, has attained two grade As and one grade B despite contracting and then battling with the after effects of a severe illness for the past three years. Outside of his studies, he has fronted a national campaign to raise funds for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, following his treatment there in 2014.

Another pupil achieved three A grades despite considerable personal illness in the family. He has accepted an offer to study business and economics at the University of East Anglia.

The head boy and girl at one school have also performed exceptionally well. One achieved three A* and one A grade and is off to study law in London. The other also achieved excellent results and is staying on the Island to complete an art qualification at University College Isle of Man.

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children,said:

‘I congratulate all young people receiving their A level results today. The outcomes today are enormously important for the Isle of Man. They are the culmination of a great deal of hard work and dedication on the part of pupils and staff, as well as considerable support from parents.

‘We are proud of all our teaching and support staff for playing such an enabling role in the lives of so many young people over the course of their studies. I’d like to thank staff for their hard work and for coming into schools to assist and support students today.

‘Whatever future plans our young people pursue, whether that be taking up university or college places or entering employment, I wish them every success in their continuing lifelong learning.

‘I would also like to remind those heading off to university that the Isle of Man has excellent employment opportunities on offer to them when they have completed their studies.’

Comparisons

It should be noted that these results for the Isle of Man are provisional and not directly comparable with the results published in the UK. The initial UK results relate to all entrants and include mature pupils and pupils in colleges and independent schools, whereas the Isle of Man data relate solely to 18 year olds in the DEC’s five secondary schools.

Volunteers create peaceful garden on Noble’s Hospital estate

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:15:55 GMT

A new garden has been officially opened on the Noble’s Hospital estate thanks to the work and contributions of volunteers across the Island.

The new facility – called Sheeain Garey, which means “Peace to Us” in Manx Gaelic – has been developed at no cost to the taxpayer, instead relying on the generous donation of time, equipment, plants, seating and other materials.

Three volunteers, who have been at the heart of the project for several months, performed the official opening, using gardening shears to cut a ribbon placed across the new willow archway that forms an entrance to the site. The Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, who was invited to the opening, was given a tour of the garden.

The Minister said:

'I would like to offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to all involved and it shows what can be achieved when everyone works together. The volunteers and community groups have created a tranquil oasis. It is just lovely and a real asset to the staff and patients at Noble’s Hospital and everyone else in the vicinity.'

The garden is located at the northern-most end of the west wing of the hospital, near to the Manx Breast Unit and the Private Patients Unit. Signage will be erected both in and outside of Noble’s Hospital to help direct people to the garden.

Jan Mellows, Divisional Manager for Core Services at Noble’s Hospital, has helped drive the project. She said:

'Noble’s Hospital is surrounded by the Manx countryside and is well landscaped and I think this type of environment really benefits patients and staff. The patch of garden that’s been developed dates back to the Ballamona Hospital, with well-established trees, grass and an aviary. We wanted to make more of the space, introducing some colour with flowers and making it a haven, particularly for patients who may want some time outside of the hospital.

'There is a substantial body of evidence which demonstrates the health benefits of contact with nature – from improving mood and reducing stress to actually speeding up recovery after operations.

'Developing the space hasn’t cost a penny – so many people have contributed: volunteers, staff, local organisations and third sector organisations. It’s been a real community effort for which the hospital is very grateful. Generous donations as well as the time, skill and dedication of volunteers have enabled us to create something very special.

'The end result is that we’ve been able to transform an ordinary patch of land into a tranquil, peaceful haven which will benefit patients, staff and visitors alike.'

Anyone who would like to be involved in the project or make a donation can contact the Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service by emailing volunteers.nobles@gov.im or telephoning +44 1624 650720.

*Picture - Volunteers Oliver Williamson, Barbara Musker and Richard Webber

Donation of cutting-edge equipment revolutionises balance tests

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 12:48:52 GMT

Those suffering from prolonged dizziness who require investigation at hospital are benefiting from new cutting-edge equipment thanks to a generous donation.

The League of Friends of Noble’s Hospital has purchased an ICS Impulse device at a cost of £18,000. The equipment, which looks like a pair of glasses, can quickly diagnose issues with a patient’s balance without causing any discomfort. Previously, a balance test required a 6 – 8 week wait as the procedure could take up to two hours, meaning a patient had to be booked into a separate clinic. The test was often uncomfortable for the patient as it was designed to actually make them feel dizzy in order to assess how well the inner ear was working.

The new equipment uses a camera mounted within a pair of glasses to monitor and measure a patient’s eye movements as their head is tilted in different directions. The way the eye responds to movement of the head changes when someone’s balance is impaired. Specialist software – which accounts for the majority of the cost – interprets the eye movement and is so precise that it not only quickly identifies the affected ear but also the specific canal of the inner ear.

Head of Audiology at Noble’s Hospital, Stephen Griffiths, said:

‘We are very grateful to the League of Friends and all those who have given so generously to the charity. This equipment has revolutionised the way we do balance tests in the Isle of Man. From a patient’s perspective we’ve taken what could be a two months process, waiting for a rather unpleasant balance test, and reduced it down to 15 minutes, with no discomfort or side effects. As well as being much more convenient for the patient it also means we can be much more efficient, seeing up to eight patients in the time it would have taken to see one.’

The League of Friends of Noble’s Hospital was founded in 1951 and in the past decade alone has donated £1 million in equipment, furnishings and patient comforts. The charity is entirely reliant upon the generosity of the Manx public through donations and legacies, with anyone able to join the League for as little as £1 a year.

Chair of the League of Friends, Chris Kelly, said:

‘The League of Friends is pleased to have been able to help the audiology team in funding this new, state of the art equipment. We are often able to help with initiatives like this, where new equipment and devices come onto the market which, understandably, the hospital may not immediately be in a position to purchase.

‘Officers of the League of Friends were given a demonstration of the new equipment, which was very impressive and clearly represents an improvement when compared to the previous tests for balance issues.

‘The League of Friends is proud to continue its important work to support Noble’s Hospital and its dedicated health care professionals, which helps to enhance the quality of care available to the people of the Isle of Man.’

FAQs seek to address misconceptions over proposed changes to prescription, sight test and dental treatment contributions

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:34:46 GMT

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on proposed changes in contributions towards the cost of prescriptions, sight tests and dental treatment have been published by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said:

'Since launching our public consultation a fortnight ago, it is clear that a number of misconceptions have begun circulating – for example, that parents will have to pay for their child’s prescription.

'The Department has undertaken a comprehensive review of contributions and exemptions, developing proposals that aim to ensure fairness and consistency across the board. These proposals affect a number of areas and so I appreciate there is a level of detail for people to take in.

'I hope the FAQs will help the public to more clearly understand the Department’s proposals.'

The Department has received a number of queries as part of its consultation process and the FAQs seek to address these, not least making clear that those who would be required to contribute £5 towards the cost of their prescription would be able to get all their medication for a flat rate of £60 a year – less than 17 pence a day – with a 12 month pre-payment certificate.

Over £17 million was spent on prescription medication last year, with less than £700,000 received in contributions towards that cost.

The FAQs also make clear that:

Anyone on benefits would continue to be exempt from making a contribution, as would children under 16 year of age or and those in full time education under 19 years of age
Contraception would remain free
The cost of contributions people make to prescriptions hasn’t increased in seven years
People who are not exempt but feel that paying prescription charges would be prohibitive to them would be able to ask for a review, with applications considered on a case by case basis
Means testing proposals are in development through the Cabinet Office but this is a complex piece of work which will take significant time to deliver

The Minister added:

'These proposals remain just that – proposals. The Department is consulting and I am encouraged that there is a healthy public debate and a range of differing views coming forward. The Department will listen to feedback, but we must be realistic that if we are to safeguard services, develop new ones and tackle our financial challenge, we must be more sustainable through being more efficient, and able to maximise income in a way that is fair.'

The public consultation runs until 12 September and further information is available online at consult.gov.im.

Strong Industry Commitment to Monaco Yacht Show 2017

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 10:04:00 GMT

The Isle of Man Ship and Yacht Registries will be showcasing the excellent service and standards of the Isle of Man with a strong industry delegation at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

Dick Welsh, Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, commented:

‘The Ship Registry has an acclaimed combination of high regulatory standards with a focus on delivering excellent customer service. The annual Monaco Yacht Show is the premier event for showcasing our excellence and diversity of support to a global audience and I am delighted to have such strong industry commitment this year.’

The 2017 stand partners include local companies, Abacus, Affinity, Baker Tilly, Boston, Cavendish Trust, KPMG, Manx Telecom, MHG, Ocean Web, Riela Yachts and Zedra. The Isle of Man Ship Registry will also be accompanied by the Isle of Man Superyacht Forum. The public/private partnership working at the event is a demonstrable strength of the Isle of Man as a maritime centre of excellence.

The Isle of Man Stand is located in Darse Sud QS35 over the four day show. This year the Stand will have dedicated internet service provided by Manx Telecom which should prove a popular attraction in addition to showcasing the Island’s outstanding capabilities in technology.

Fergal McKenna, Director of Sales at Manx Telecom, commented:

‘The Isle of Man is a proven location for innovation. Manx Telecom provides a range of solutions which allow people and machines to communicate effectively regardless of location globally. We're looking forward to attending this event, showcasing our solutions, networking with customers and partners and supporting the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development.’

The Monaco Yacht Show has been running for 27 years, welcoming hundreds of leading companies from the yachting industry around the world and over 30,000 private owners, future buyers of yachts and high-level professionals active in the yachting market.

Follow the Isle of Man Ship Registry on Twitter for the latest information www.twitter.com/IoMShipRegistry

Importance of policing Island’s seas underlined by Minister

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 12:19:29 GMT

The Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture has spoken of the importance of policing the Island’s territorial seas to ensure fisheries laws are not breached and stocks are sustained.

Geoffrey Boot MHK spoke as he took a fact-finding trip on the fisheries protection vessel Barrule with Department Member Martyn Perkins MHK.

Sea fisheries are worth in the region of £20 million to the Isle of Man’s economy and support around 400 jobs.

Seafood such as king and queen scallops and whelks are exported all over the world, putting the Island on the map and forming an important part of the Island’s distinctive food and drink industry.

Vessels can only fish in Manx waters if they are licensed, with conditions varying from species to species.

The 22-metre Barrule was designed and built to enable officers from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to enforce sea fisheries legislation.

The vessel is equipped with the latest radio navigation aids and can operate in all sea conditions in which fishing occurs. It carries an inflatable vessel that is launched from the stern to allow officers to board and inspect fishing vessels.

Vessels found flouting the law are impounded and their owners and skippers prosecuted, often paying heavy fines and forfeiting their catch.

In addition to highly publicised court cases, offenders are dealt with via formal cautions, also surrendering their catch.

During the Minister and Mr Perkins’ trip out, the Barrule’s crew of four, led by the skipper, Senior Sea Fisheries Officer Peter McParlin, demonstrated a typical day’s work, including boarding and inspecting a fishing vessel operating legally.

The Minister said:

‘It was fascinating to view at first hand the Barrule, witness the work of its knowledgeable crew of fisheries officers and learn how it complements our Future Fisheries strategy.’

‘Sea fisheries are of immense value to our economy and it’s vital we enforce legislation to ensure vessels don’t over-exploit our fishery.

‘We have the equipment and expertise on the Barrule to track down vessels fishing in areas that are closed for conservation reasons, using illegal equipment or taking too many fish.

‘Those chancing their luck or simply failing to check licence conditions will be prosecuted, with heavy financial penalties.’

*Photo of the Minister and Mr Perkins on the Barrule

New Hub for Central Registry

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:44:21 GMT

The Central Registry’s various functions will all be brought under one roof this weekend as the Companies Registry relocates from St George’s Court in Hill Street to the Registries Building on Deemsters Walk.

John Wilkinson, Director of the Central Registry, commented:

‘The relocation of the Companies Registry with the Land Registry, Deeds and Probate Registry, Charities Registry and Civil Registry will give our customers a dedicated hub for registry transactions under the new Central Registry function. The move will also create efficiencies in the team, allowing new working processes to be implemented and staff to be trained across various functions.’

The Public Records Office will not complete the move to the Central Registries Building due to its specific space requirements.

The Companies Registry will re-open at 10am Monday 14th August on the 1st floor of the Registries Building on Deemsters Walk.

For any queries, please call: +44 (0) 1624 689389 or email companies@gov.im

Display information will help shoppers pick out Manx meat

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:54:04 GMT

New tickets of origin will make it simpler for shoppers to identify Manx meat in supermarkets and butchers’ shops.

The tickets will be displayed on fresh meat counters of participating retailers to indicate that beef, pork, lamb and goat is Manx reared and slaughtered.

The distinctive tickets will state the meat’s place and date of purchase, whether direct from a farm or from the Meat Plant.

Retailers will sign and display a Butcher’s Charter as a pledge of accuracy, explaining the tickets to customers.

The tickets complement food provenance labels launched by Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK in May, which indicate foodstuffs, including pre-packed meats, are ‘Made in the Isle of Man’ or ‘Produce of the Isle of Man’.

The Butcher’s Charter was unveiled by Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show yesterday (Friday).

‘Manx meat is recognised for its taste and quality and many shoppers seek it out,’ the Minister said.

‘However, it can be hard to distinguish it from other meat on display and marketing slogans such as “traditional”, “Manx-hung” and “locally sourced” confuse consumers.

‘Sales of Manx meat boost our economy and support our producers and these tickets will set Manx meat apart from an often inferior off-Island product on shop shelves.

‘Our strategy for the growth of Isle of Man food and drink, Food Matters, highlights the importance of us labelling meat as Manx and ensuring the integrity of this labelling through checks.

‘In order to use the tickets, shops must agree to make delivery notes for both Manx and non-Manx meat available for DEFA to inspect,’ the Minister explained.

‘If DEFA suspects that meat is falsely labelled as Manx, it can resort to isotope testing, a technique developed with the University of East Anglia.

‘It should now be easier for customers to identify shops supporting Manx meat and to pick out Manx meat from non-Manx meat displayed alongside it.’

Andrew Cooper, General Secretary of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, said:

‘We appreciate that the plethora of ways of labelling meat can lead shoppers choosing products they believe are Manx but aren’t. We’ve been pleased to work with DEFA to create this new way for shoppers to more easily identify Manx meat and we hope retailers support it and support local farmers.’

Retailers can apply to use the tickets and charter and food and drink producers can apply to use the provenance labels via www.isleofmanfoodandrink.com

With inquiries, email food@gov.im or ring 01624 695735.

Awards recognise forward-looking farm and food businesses

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:38:05 GMT

Forward-looking farmers and food producers were recognised at an annual awards ceremony this evening (Friday).

Geoffrey Boot MHK presented the Isle of Man Food and Farming Awards and spoke of the importance of innovation in both areas to the Island’s economy and environment.

‘The farmers and food producers who’ll flourish are those who have an eye on the future and seek opportunities for their businesses,’ the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture said.

‘The Isle of Man Government strongly encourages business growth as it seeks to further strengthen the economy.

‘Those receiving and shortlisted for these awards demonstrate a keen eye on the marketplace and willingness to diversify, an ability to work efficiently and a good use of marketing and promotion.’

James Callow, who, at the age of just 40, runs an 840-acre sheep and beef farm spread over land at Bride, Maughold and St Marks, is winner of the farming award.

Trading as Kerrowchrink Ltd, James has exchanged dairy farming for 1,500 breeding ewes and 95 suckler cows and grows barley, kale, maize and forage rape to feed them. James, who employs two people, is experimenting with new crops and has beehives, producing honey.

Former supermarket manager Stephen Devereau and wife Jenny, of Staarvey Farm won the food award.

They started their business a decade ago selling herbs at farmers' markets.

The Island’s only certified organic food producers, they have expanded into salads, sauces and preserves, grown and produced at their premises in Patrick, where they have large polytunnels and production rooms.

They employ five people and supply Shoprite, Robinson’s, MostlyManx and the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre as well as restaurants, caterers and cookery schools direct with their wide range of high quality products. They attend the fortnightly Food Assembly.

A recent addition to their range is edible flowers and they have created new packing and refrigeration areas. They plan to grow even more vegetables, salads and fruit from next year and their plans for greater efficiency include automatic irrigation of the tunnels and semi-automation of their jar filling and labelling.

A special award for diversification was presented to John and Fiona Anderson of Knockaloe Beg Farm, Patrick.

The former teachers returned to their native Island and rebuilt a 1740 farmhouse and buildings that had been empty for some time.

As well as being active farmers, they offer four-star bed and breakfast, self-catering, bunkhouse and glamping accommodation, with the emphasis on being eco-friendly.

They run an ‘open farm’ every Friday and Saturday during the summer, educating visitors about farm life. They have become known for their ‘live lambing’ events, run a café and gift shop, supporting local produce, and, with their popular donkey, ponies, goats and pigs, host children’s birthday parties.

Knockaloe Beg is the only Isle of Man holder of the Green Tourism Award and employs 20 people on a seasonal basis.

The Isle of Man Food and Farming Awards are supported by Shoprite and were judged by the supermarket’s senior buyer, John Speakman; Tim Baker MHK, Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture; Frank Cain, of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, and Andrew Corrin, President of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

Award-winners receive £200 and an engraved glass trophy from Shoprite.

Mr Speakman said:

‘Shoprite is always happy to support the Isle of Man Food and Farming Awards as they recognise the best of local producers, whether from the farm or from developing food manufacturers. Both provide Shoprite with the high quality local products our customers like to buy.

‘This year we were able to judge a diverse group of finalists, giving us three deserving winners.’

Financial Sanctions: Libya

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:47:03 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the financial sanctions measures relating to Libya.

Annex V to Regulation (EU) No 2016/44 have been amended with effect from 11 August 2017, following the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2017/1456.

The Amending Regulation reflects the decisions made on 2 August 2017 by the United Nations Security Council Committee to add 1 entity to the UN Libya list.

The vessel listed below is added to the list of vessels subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2016/44.

Addition

Entity

LYNN S

UN andEUListing.

UN Ref LYe.005. IMO: 8706349. This designation is valid from 2 August to 2 November 2017 unless terminated earlier. Flag State: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. As of 26 July 2017 the vessel was located in international waters approx. 50 nautical miles southeast of Cyprus.

Listed on: 11/08/2017 Last Updated: 11/08/2017 Group ID: 13520.

Financial institutions and other persons are required to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds, financial assets, economic benefits and economic resources for the designated entity. If so, they must freeze such accounts or funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. They must also report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury.

Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Libya and links to the UK’s Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Customs and Excise Division

P.O. Box 6

Custom House

North Quay

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM99 1AG

Telephone:+44 1624 648130

Fax:+44 1624 661725

Email:Send Email

Financial Sanctions: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:58:21 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Annex IV Council Regulation (EC) No 329/2007 has been amended with effect from 11 August 2017, following the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2017/1457.

The Amending Regulation reflects the decisions made on 5 August 2017 by the United Nations Security Council Committee to add 9 individuals and 4 entities to the UN list and to amend the existing information for 2 individuals.

Details of the additions and amendments can be found in the Annex to this Notice.

Financial institutions and other persons are requested to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, the designated individuals and entities. If so, they must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. They must also report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury. Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated individuals and entities they are not required to report these details again.

Failure to comply with financial sanctions legislation or to seek to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and links to the Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to these and other financial sanctions may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Customs and Excise Division

P.O. Box 6

Custom House

North Quay

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM99 1AG

Telephone:+44 1624 648130

Fax:+44 1624 661725

Email:Send Email

Shorter waiting times for ear, nose and throat operations

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:05:35 GMT

The waiting time for ear, nose and throat operations at Noble’s Hospital has reduced from 18 months down to eight months. The improvement is a result of an ongoing review of when certain operations should and should not be offered to patients.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: ‘This significant reduction in the average waiting time for ear, nose and throat operations is very encouraging. Tackling waiting times is an action within the Programme for Government and this latest progress comes in addition to a recent increase in the number of people with suspected cancer being seen within two weeks, which has witnessed a dramatic increase following concerted efforts to improve performance.

‘I want the public to be assured that action is being taken to address hospital waiting times and that progress is being made as a result. Whilst there remains much work to do, this is a positive development which I am sure will be welcomed by all.’

Work began in November 2016 to review a range of treatments and surgical procedures known to have low impact on health or to improve health only in patients meeting certain clinical criteria. Health organisations across the UK, and elsewhere, have carried out similar exercises.

To date 22 procedures have undergone a rigorous, evidence based review through a clear, consistent and transparent process to ensure fairness. This involves consideration by the DHSC’s Clinical Recommendations Committee and approval by the Minister.

Chief Executive of the DHSC, Dr Malcolm Couch, said:

‘The Department of Health and Social Care has a duty to provide the best care, for the maximum number of people, within the resources it has available – so we must make every penny count. That means that, sometimes, difficult decisions have to be made about which procedures will be available and when. We must also be fair and consistent, which is why having clear policies is vital.

‘We have been able to reduce waiting times without additional funding, so often seen as the only way to tackle this challenge. Instead, following a clear, balanced and robust review – based on clinical evidence – we have taken inappropriate demand out of the system, speeding up care for those who really need it.’

The waiting time for minor operations has also been reduced to just two weeks, with a restriction on the removal of benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions. This has enabled the all-day clinic to become a half-day clinic, with the doctor using the additional capacity to undertake endoscopy procedures instead, for which there is a much higher waiting list and much greater medical need.

Some patients may have exceptional clinical circumstances which could make a treatment that is not routinely provided appropriate for them. In these cases, a doctor can make a request for the treatment through the Individual Funding Requests process.

A full list of the DHSC’s clinical commissioning policies is available here.

A level and GCSE results 2017

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:57:46 GMT

A levels

On Thursday 17 August, nearly 400 pupils from the Department for Education and Children’s (DEC) five secondary schools and University College Isle of Man (UCM) will, like their peers in the UK, be receiving their A level results.

Most of these pupils completed Year 13 in June and sat exams in around 40 subjects ranging from economics and politics to further maths and performing arts.

A large proportion of these subjects were taught as part of the expanding North/South/West and Douglas collaborations that exist to deliver a diverse and wide-ranging curriculum at post-16.

This year, the vast majority of candidates have sat exams for linear A levels with few still obtaining AS results using the modular method. This means that for most pupils, the exams they sat in May and June will account for 100% of their final grade.

It should be noted that the results for the Isle of Man that will be issued on Thursday 17 August are not directly comparable with the results that will be published in the UK. The initial UK results relate to all entrants and include mature pupils and pupils in colleges and independent schools, whereas Isle of Man data relates solely to post-16 pupils in the five DEC secondary schools and UCM.

Support and advice

Pupils should attend school to collect results at the time given. They should go prepared - take their Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) letters and UCAS numbers, their conditional offers details, exam results so far, course choices, UCAS personal statements and a list of important phone numbers or web links. In case they have just missed out on required grades they should be ready to put their case forward quoting any mitigating circumstances. They will be supported by their school who will have staff and resources on hand during the day.

The results obtained by pupils will determine whether they have secured a place at their first choice university. It is hoped that all pupils will obtain the grades they need but there are always some pupils who have not done as well as expected, or have done better than expected. These are the pupils who need to be ready to seek advice from schools or the careers service. Pupils must not underestimate the importance of being present in school when they receive results. The Department believe that the support offered in our schools enables pupils to make appropriate decisions and they should make the most of the advice and expertise available.

For pupils using clearing, there is a free app showing available university places produced by the Telegraph newspaper for iPhone and Android devices.

UCAS Track

Some pupils will have an indication of how they have fared from around 8am (perhaps even a little earlier) on Thursday using the UCAS Track website. This will not give them grades but may indicate whether they have been accepted by their chosen university using the terms Unconditional, Unsuccessful or UCC (Unconditional Changed Course).

Information will only appear if the university has made its decision and has already notified UCAS. Pupils and parents should recognise that there is a risk with checking results on Track. If the news is disappointing, there will be an absence of targeted support available for decisions that need to be made. UCAS Track does not give pupils their results, so pupils are still required to pick up their exam results from school.

Clearing – adjustment

For pupils using clearing there is a free app showing available university places produced by the Telegraph newspaper for iPhone and Android.

As well as the ‘clearing’ system for pupils who have not met the requirements of their firm and insurance offers, there is ‘adjustment’, when pupils who have done better than expected can look for a course or university that carries higher entry requirements. The clearing vacancy search closes on 30 September. Adjustment ends on 31 August.

Destinations

For pupils who have opted to apply for university places, the results obtained will determine whether they have secured a place at their first choice. For other pupils, results will signify an end to their full time education and the beginning of the next phase of their lifelong learning journey, either in the world of employment, training, apprenticeship or life enriching experience.

Approximately 65% of year 13 pupils are intending to go to university, with around 20% likely to be looking for employment and a small percentage staying into Year 14.

GCSE and Equivalent results

Around 800 pupils from the DEC’s five secondary schools and UCM, like their peers in the UK, will receive GCSE or equivalent results on Thursday 24 August.

Exams have been sat in around 40 subjects ranging from French and German to business studies and computer science.

For all schools, this set of results will include a considerable proportion in the Cambridge IGCSE format, which most subjects have now incorporated. This of course comes as a result of the 2014 public consultation, which resulted in the Isle of Man adopting the IGCSE route as opposed to comparable systems in England.

This will be the first year in which pupils will receive results from courses such as practical cookery and the PC Passport offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). These national qualifications involve an applied learning approach and carry a similar weighting to GCSEs. The adoption of Scottish National qualifications reflects a widening of options and choice across the Island’s education system at Key Stage 4.

Total full-course entries will be around 7,500, with some additional short course entries.

It should be noted that the results for the Isle of Man that will be issued on Thursday 24 August are not directly comparable with the results that will be published in the UK. The initial UK results relate to all entrants and include mature pupils and pupils in colleges and independent schools whereas Isle of Man data relates solely to Key Stage 4 pupils in DEC secondaries.

For some pupils these results will signal the end of their formal education, with the prospect of entering the world of employment at the forefront of their minds.

For the majority of pupils these results will see them continue to further education, either in schools with A levels or at UCM.

In 2016, nearly 55% of pupils returned to school to join sixth forms and more than 30% have enrolled each year at UCM, with around 7% entering employment at 16.

Media releases will be issued by the DEC on the afternoons of Thursday 17 August and Thursday 24 August 2017 outlining the overview of results across the Island’s five schools and UCM.

Planning Applications - Publication List

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:00:41 GMT

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list.

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 1st September 2017.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Copies of the applications are also available for viewing at the Office of Planning and Building Control or via the appropriate Local Authority.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and to enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the 2013 Order) persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013

Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013

Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013

Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) (Telecommunications) Order 2013

The Town and Country Planning (Certificates of Lawful Use or Development) Regulations 2005

Subscribe to our email alert

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Post Office gives green light to electric vehicles

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 08:50:42 GMT

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is introducing six electric vehicles into its delivery fleet to trial as it seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and generate efficiencies.

Three of the six Nissan e-NV200 vehicles, purchased from local car dealer Athol Garage, have arrived at Postal Headquarters and will be on delivery from today, trialled as part of a pilot to evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness on the Island’s roads for use on deliveries and collections. The remaining three vans are due to be on the road by the end of August. If the vehicles prove to be a success, IOMPO will seek to introduce more electric vans into its fleet. The vans will be easy to spot around the Island as they are white with Post Office branding, rather than the traditional red livery.

Independent research as well as practical feedback obtained from our counterparts in Guernsey and Jersey who are already using the Nissan e-NV200 vehicles, show that the electric vans are suitable for island roads and the stop and start nature of our operation. They also have enough load capacity to deliver efficiently the ever increasing parcel volumes. The introduction of the electric vehicles forms part of IOMPO’s values to drive innovation and creativity and supports its strategy of a customer focussed commercial and innovative culture. The vans are also in line with the aims to reduce carbon emissions and innovative approaches to making businesses more energy efficient as outlined in the Isle of Man’s Programme for Government 2016-2021.

Lisa Duckworth, Isle of Man Post Office Interim Chief Executive, said:

'Electric vehicles have come a long way in recent years and the current Nissan model is one of the best on the market. Our research has shown that other Posts have benefitted from similar vehicles, not only in saving costs, but also reducing their carbon footprint and we are looking forward to putting our new vehicles through their paces to explore how well they suit our Island operation.'

John Higginbotham, Isle of Man Post Office Fleet Manager, said:

'We are pleased to introduce the new electric vehicles to our fleet. Not only are they fantastic in helping reduce our overall carbon footprint on the Island, but they have also gone down well with our staff who have reported that the driving position and exiting of the vehicle is a lot better than the other vehicles in our fleet.

The white vans, which carry our usual branding, were purchased to distinguish them from the rest of the fleet but the intention post trial is to retain the fleet in its traditional colour.'

Late arrival enchants visitors to Curraghs Wildlife Park

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 09:44:41 GMT

A new baby lemur is enchanting summer visitors to the Curraghs Wildlife Park.

The ring-tailed lemur was born in late July to two of the park’s resident lemurs, mum Sakaraha and dad Rhea.

Its birth brings the number of ring-tailed lemurs at the park to seven.

Like all lemurs, the ring-tailed animal is endemic to the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

In the last 17 years, numbers there have decreased by 95% due to poaching and forest clearance. As few as 2000 remain.

Although zoo populations are healthy, the International Union for Conservation of Nature still lists ring-tailed lemurs as an endangered species.

Kathleen Graham, General Manager of the Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh, said:

‘With their striking markings and friendly nature, ring-tailed lemurs are popular with our visitors.

‘We are really pleased that our group has a new baby, albeit quite late in the season, as in the Northern hemisphere births are usually in the spring.

‘The sex of our new arrival hasn’t been determined yet. Young lemurs begin to eat solid food after two months and are fully weaned after five months. One of the characteristics of lemurs is that they like to sunbathe sitting with their arms open facing the sun, so if we have good weather for the rest of summer, our baby should be out and about and easy to spot.’

Kathleen said:

‘By Easter 2018, our new ‘Lemurs of Madagascar’ habitat will be open, providing modern housing for not only our ring-tailed family but also our black and white and gentle lemurs, and three female red-ruffed lemurs we will be acquiring as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

‘We will link the exhibit to a conservation project in Madagascar to help lemurs in the wild.’

The Curraghs Wildlife Park is home to 75 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates.

It is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last admission 5pm) until the end of school’s autumn half term, when it reverts to winter hours.

Summer ‘Family Fun Days’, with extra attractions, continue on Thursdays until 24th August.

To book tickets, purchase memberships or find out more, visit www.curraghswildlifepark.com

You can follow the park on facebook at Curraghs Wildlife Park, on Twitter at @lizwildlifepark and the park will launch its Instagram feed shortly.

Isle of Man Financial Crime Strategy

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:58:01 GMT

The Isle of Man Government has today (Thursday August 10, 2017) published its Financial Crime Strategy 2017-2020.

The Strategy builds on previous work to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, which has been reinforced by the findings of the Island’s MONEYVAL assessment undertaken in 2016.

In a foreword to the document, Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK states that the Isle of Man takes its responsibilities as an international business centre very seriously.

‘The Island has led the way amongst small jurisdictions in engaging with international initiatives against financial crime and in co-operating with other countries’, writes Mr Quayle.

‘As a centre dedicated to attracting quality business we have an economic as well as a moral rationale for protecting our financial systems and reputation against abuse by criminals.’

The Chief Minister notes that the outcome of the MONEYVAL assessment largely confirmed the findings of the Island’s own National Risk Assessment, identifying the resourcing of financial intelligence gathering and investigations as areas for improvement.

‘Addressing these points is a matter of national priority for my Government and I am pleased that significant progress has already been made.’

Mr Quayle concludes:

‘I trust that the production of this overarching Financial Crime Strategy is further evidence of the Isle of Man’s firm commitment to a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to financial crime.’

The Isle of Man Financial Crime Strategy 2017-2020 is available online at: Cabinet Office Documents

Consultation on proposed Central Registry Bill

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 09:52:44 GMT

The Department of Economic Development has launched a consultation on a draft Bill giving statutory effect to the formation of the Central Registry.

John Wilkinson, Director of the Central Registry, commented:

‘The proposed Bill will formalise the new Central Registry structure which has been in place since 2015. The new structure has seen improved efficiency of services and improved customer delivery through a number of centralised functions’

‘The consultation seeks to raise awareness of the draft Bill and seeks comments regarding the structure and the required legislative amendments.’

Following a report by the General Registry and its subsequent approval by the Government Reform Group the General Registry was restructured on 1st April 2015 as part of Government's ongoing programme to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to the public.

The changes included the transfer of the Land, Deeds and Probate, and Civil Registries, Charities Register and the Public Record Office to the Department of Economic Development (DED), where they were merged with the Companies Registry to form the new Central Registry.

The Central Registry is currently performing the transferred functions via delegated authority from the Chief Registrar as a full transfer requires changes to primary legislation. The Central Registry Bill is intended to give effect to said transfer of functions to DED.

The closing date for the receipt of responses is 15 September 2017. A summary of the responses will be published after the consultation has closed.

View the full consultation online.

Launch of the Three-Year Aerospace Cluster Strategy

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:28:02 GMT

The Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster (IOMAC) has announced its three-year Cluster Strategy outlining a number of key objectives that it aims to achieve by 2020.

The Department of Economic Development is one of the seven public and private sector organisations that make up the IOMAC’s committee. The new strategy focuses on promoting and developing Isle of Man aerospace companies in order to achieve global recognition for its performance, competence, infrastructure and environment. The strategy also focuses on objectives to help sustain its international market leading position within high technology and aerospace industries.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Department member with responsibility for Manufacturing commented:

‘The launch of the 2017 to 2020 Cluster Strategy is a great opportunity to highlight the success of the IOMAC over the past decade. It’s with this success that we’ve been able to plan the three year Strategy going forward, recognising the need for development in areas such as supporting infrastructure on the Island and increasing awareness of the sector locally and internationally through marketing and PR.’

IOMAC’s objective is to create a range of services to help enable cluster members to facilitate continuous improvement of their businesses in pursuit of world-class standards as well as to set a minimum standard for the cluster. This works alongside the Programme for Government’s policy of working to better understand, support and contribute to the quality and professionalism within each sector.

Adrian Moore, Cluster Chairman and Manager commented:

‘I have been working within the precision engineering and aerospace sector for over 30 years and have seen the sector develop substantially on the Island. Over the last 10 years the IOMAC has increased by 30% and now has over 885 full time member employees on the Isle of Man. Since it was founded in 2006, IOMAC members have also notched up 21 industry winner or finalist awards, a stat we are extremely proud of and will continue to live up to.

‘Working closely with the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) has proven to be very beneficial to the IOMAC and we are now recognised as an important cog in the North West and UK supply chain. I look forward to leading the IOMAC to implement this renewed strategy’s objectives over the coming years.’

Read the full 2017-2020 Cluster Strategy report.

To find out more about the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster visit: http://www.aerospace.co.im/