Feedback to a public consultation will help to shape the future of the Isle of Man’s planning system.
The Cabinet Office has today, Monday 16 April 2018, published the summary of responses to a wide-ranging online survey, which ran from October 2017 to January 2018.
The need for a review of planning was identified in the Programme for Government, with the objective of having a planning system that supports sustainable growth.
A total of 171 responses were submitted to the public consultation on key issues such as planning legislation, incentivising the redevelopment of brownfield sites, Area Plans, the planning application process, design standards and conservation.
The comments have been considered in conjunction with recent reviews, including the Select Committee Report on Planning and Building Control and the High Level Strategic Review of Planning.
That work will inform an action plan on proposed planning reform to be announced by Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK at the May sitting of Tynwald.
The Minister said:
‘Planning is important to everybody. Planning decisions affect the community, the economy, the environment and the interests of individuals, landowners and developers. It is in all our interests to have a modern, effective and responsive planning system that promotes our national priorities, while taking into account environmental and social considerations.’
He added:
‘I’d like to thank all those who took part in to the public consultation. The responses will feed into a programme of improvement designed to meet the needs of our people and our economy, now and in the future. It is also worth noting that some of the issues highlighted in the consultation are covered by existing planning policy. For example, the Council of Ministers is committed to encouraging the redevelopment of urban sites through policies on temporary car parks and compulsory purchase powers.
‘Overall, the aim is to strike the right balance to ensure the Isle of Man continues to be a special place to live, work and visit.’
