The Cabinet Office is currently preparing a draft Area Plan for the eastern part of our Island. This is the local implementation of the policies and vision set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
There are three weeks left until the public consultation closes into 35 additional sites under consideration as part of a development plan for the East of the Island.
The sites were identified following a ‘Preliminary Publicity’ process that took place last year, which asked for public feedback on 187 proposed sites in Braddan, Douglas, Laxey, Lonan, Marown, Onchan and Santon,
During the process, a number of additional sites were suggested, details of which are now available for public review.
The additional documents include:
- An ‘All-Sites’ Map – updated to show 35 additional sites
- Additional site details submitted by each proposer
- Draft site assessment reports and a summary table listing all of the additional sites
The public can make any submissions regarding these additional sites, perhaps about service availability, access or general comments about things like the history.
Responses to the latest consultation will be combined with detailed public input already received in response to the earlier consultation and both will help shape the development of the draft Area Plan for the East.
This will be published by the 25 May 2018. Following that, there will be a period of public consultation and a formal inquiry at where submissions can be heard in person. Once approved by Tynwald, the new Area Plan would replace existing development plans in the East.
Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said:
‘This latest consultation follows a successful Call for Sites and Preliminary Publicity last year, and I urge people to feedback on the latest proposals. The Area Plan for the East will be at the heart of strategic planning in the east, and there are many issues to consider around housing, land for employment, and the capacity and location of infrastructure and public services.’
He continued:
‘We are continuing to draft the ordinance part of the draft Area Plan. Once this extra consultation is complete we will consider all of the additional 35 additional sites in more detail. Some may be suitable and become proposal sites in the draft plan, others may have such challenges that they are not suitable and that will be explained as part of the Department’s formal response to all of the comments received.”
The consultation is available and will close on 9 March 2018. Paper copies are available to view at Cabinet Office reception, 3rd Floor, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas.
Any comments or queries can be made to:
Dean Balkin
Planning Policy
+44 1624 685750
planningpolicy@gov.im
