The Department of Infrastructure has announced that the 2007 Isle of Man Strategic Plan is to undergo a ‘partial review’. The Plan, which has been in operation since August 2007, sets out the Department’s general policies for the development and use of land across the Island.
This Review is a timely response to the 2011 Census and findings of the subsequent Isle of Man Population Projection Model, which analysed the 2011 Census data for the Island and estimated population figures for the next 20 years and beyond. The recent Census shows a rising population on the Island and the implications of this for future housing needs on the Isle of Man now need to be re-examined.
The first stage in this process of Review is to embark on ‘Preliminary Publicity’. All those with an interest are invited to comment on the matters with which the Department intends to deal, namely:
- the broad housing figures set out in the Strategic Plan in Strategic Policy 11, Housing Policy 1 and Housing Policy 3; and
- Any related strategic highway network matter in connection to the above including road links and junctions
In dealing with 1 and 2 above there may be implications for some supporting text but all other Policies and paragraphs will remain unaffected. This focused Review essentially constitutes a ‘roll forward’ of the Strategic Plan in light of the 2011 Census and will, as a result, extend the lifetime of the Plan beyond 2016.
Minister for Infrastructure, David Cretney MHK said:
'The Isle of Man Strategic Plan has been a key part of the planning policy framework in recent years. Whilst there will come a time to review it in its entirety, this tightly focused review will allow the housing figures to be updated and allow much needed work on the Area Plans to progress.'
Departmental Member for Planning, Lawrence Skelly also expressed support, suggesting:
'Reviewing the housing figures in response to the recent Census is critical to the expeditious progression of the remaining Area Plans. Such an update will provide fresh evidence on population statistics and will allow any development land requirements in and around our settlements to be considered more accurately. This in turn will enable any allocations in Area Plans to be responsive to future needs.'
The Consultation Document entitled “The Isle of Man Strategic Plan – Towards a Sustainable Island - Review 2013” can be viewed/downloaded and the online survey accessed from Government’s Consultation Website. http://www.gov.im/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=412
Any representations, either online or in writing, must be submitted on a Response Form to the Department by the deadline of 5pm on Friday 31 January 2014.
For further information contact: Michael Gallagher, Director of Planning & Building Control, +44 1624 685903.
