The public’s views are being sought on proposals to introduce a fee for submitting planning appeals.
 
A consultation will commence on the 8th October 2012, with responses to be submitted no later than close of business on the 19th November 2012.
 
Traditionally, the right to appeal against a planning decision has been free to both the original applicant and any third parties with the cost for administering the appeal service, including all costs associated with the appointment of the independent Planning Inspectors, met by the Department of Infrastructure and the Chief Secretary’s Office.
 
Under the proposed fee structure, anyone submitting an appeal would pay a one-off fee of ?150, with that sum refunded should the appeal be successful. If more than one party submits an appeal in respect to the same planning application, each party will have to pay a separate ?150 fee.
 
Howard Quayle MHK, Department Member with responsibility for Planning and Building Control, said the move towards charging an appeal fee was in line with the Department’s approach towards cost recovery.
 
Mr Quayle explained: ‘In the last year or two, we’ve been progressively looking to recover a higher proportion of our costs through the fees payable for making a planning application, and other charges levied by the Planning and Building Control Division.
 
‘Having no fee in place for those wishing to appeal a planning decision is clearly unsustainable.  We have reviewed the appeals systems in other jurisdictions, such as the Republic of Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey, who all have a Planning Appeal fee in place.
 
‘Our proposed fee of ?150 is lower and less complex than in many other jurisdictions. In the Republic of Ireland, for example, fees for planning appeals range from ?175 to ?3,500, depending on the nature of the development being appealed. In Jersey, it’s ?200 for an appeal by the developer, and ?300 for a third party to appeal the decision.’
 
The Department will issue a summary of the views and issues that are raised in the consultation period, and subsequently produce a draft set of regulations for further public consultation.  If the proposal is progressed its effect will be reviewed after a suitable period.
 
Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK said: ‘This consultation is one of a number of proposed changes to the planning system which are aimed at increasing customer focus, improving efficiency and helping us deliver even better value for money to the public.
 
‘I would urge everyone who has an opinion about the proposed fee for Planning Appeals to consider what is said in the consultation document, and let us know your views. The more feedback we receive, the more informed our decision will be.’
 
The consultation document can be downloaded from the Isle of Man Government website at http://www.gov.im/Consultations.gov from 8th October 2012.
 
The Department is encouraging those responding to the consultation to send their comments via email, as it is the most effective way of collecting and collating responses. The address to use is planning@gov.im
 
However, for those without internet access, responses to the consultation can also be posted to the address below. In both instances, please mark your correspondence clearly with ‘Introduction of Planning Appeal Fees’ and send to:
 
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Building Control Division, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, IM1 2SF.