The Council of Ministers has highlighted the importance of planning to community life in the Isle of Man as it seeks to appoint new members to the Planning Committee.
 
Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said planning had a pivotal role to play in terms of stimulating the economy, supporting the environment and maintaining the Island’s quality of life.
 
He commented: ‘Planning decisions are important as they affect the community, the economy, the environment and the interests of individuals, landowners and developers. Good decision-making relies on making informed judgments within a context of planning issues and policies. The planning system relies on ensuring that decisions are made in a way which is not only fair and impartial, but is also clearly seen to be so.
 
‘The current vacancies on the Planning Committee provide an opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to make a positive contribution to the local community. There is a great wealth of talent in the Isle of Man and the Council of Ministers hopes to attract some high-calibre candidates to support this vital area of Island life.’
 
The Planning Committee meets on a regular basis to consider and to make decisions on applications for planning approval. Individuals who feel they possess the necessary attributes to serve as a member of the Committee are encouraged to apply before 5pm on Friday, July 13.
 
An information pack detailing the role and responsibilities is available at www.gov.im/cso/publicappointments and an application form can be completed and submitted electronically via the webpage.
 
Printed copies of the pack and form are available from the Chief Secretary’s Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN. Tel: 01624 685711 or e-mail publicappointments@cso.gov.im.
 
Further information about the Planning Committee can be found at http://www.gov.im/transport/planning/meetings.xml.