The Manx Government has increased its target for new homes to be built in the 15 years to 2016.

The figure has gone up to 6,000 from 5,400 in a modified version of the Draft Strategic Plan, which will go before Tynwald for approval next week.

Planning approval has already been given for more than two thirds of the total and, to date, a figure approaching half have been built.

The Strategic Plan will provide a framework for the development and planning use of land up to 2016.

Local Government and Enviroment Minister John Shimmin (pictured) says it aims to encourage economic growth, protect the environment and ensure targets for building new homes are met: