MAJOR changes to planning rules which will allow property owners to carry out a large number of projects, including the building of small extensions without the need for planning permission, have been proposed by the Isle of Man government.
The public has been invited to give views on the changes before the proposals are placed before the House of Keys and Tynwald later this year.
A spokesman said the changes were designed to cut “red tape” and give more freedom for residents to alter their homes.
If approved, the alterations to legislation will bring the Isle of Man into line with similar changes to planning laws agreed in the UK some years ago. It will cover small extensions, greenhouses, conservatories, summerhouses, garages, carports, fuel storage tanks and sheds.
The new regulations are also designed to allow property owners to erect gates, fences and walls and will also mean that replacement windows, doors and patio doors can be installed without the need for planning permission.
Other subjects covered in the proposals include roof lights, satellite dishes, septic tanks, flagpoles, decking, solar panels, chimneys, and a number of energy-saving devices such as ground source heat pumps.
In all cases, there are restrictions and conditions attached to the dimensions and positioning of new structures and extensions and the distance from a property where they can be erected.
The Department of Infrastructure - which controls planning - is behind the initiative which will amend the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2005. As well as giving residents more freedom to make changes to their property, it will also allow the government more planning freedom within certain sites such as the hospital, National Sports Centre, Douglas outer harbour, the Curraghs Wildlife Park or the prison at Jurby.
Minister for Infrastructure, Phil Gawne, MHK said, “Hopefully this will reduce red tape and will help to stimulate the economy further and provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry by making it easier for residents to improve their homes.”
David Quirk, MHK, chairman of the planning committee, added, “The current permitted development rights need to be reviewed. As currently framed, they can delay or even prevent certain types of uncontentious development from being undertaken unless a planning application is submitted.
“A considerable amount of time and resource is expended by applicants and government in submitting and determining applications of a minor nature. These proposals will save residents time and money and will free up a lot of the department’s resources to enable it to continue working with other government departments on delivering strategic goals and improving services to the public.”
The Department says it welcomes responses from anyone on the proposed amendments.
“We are encouraging everyone to respond using the structured online questionnaire which can be accessed at http://www.gov.im/transport/consultations.gov. All comments should be submitted via the website no later than 5.00pm on Monday 15th August 2011.”
A copy of the consultation document and draft order can be obtained from Jo.Callow@gov.im, or write to her at Planning & Building Control Division, Department of Infrastructure, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, IM1 2SF.
Alternatively, the document can be found at www.gov.im/Consultations.gov
