Key role in DEFA vacant

The Island's top planning and building control official has stood down. 

It is understood Michael Gallagher's resignation and departure from 1 April was unexpected.

Mr Gallagher was Director of Planning at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, and was recently involved in drafting a new Town and Country Planning Bill.

That bill is now subject to a large number of amendments.

Mr Gallagher was due to appear as a witness at a Tynwald Select Committee hearing on planning issues last month, but did not attend.

Mr Gallagher's deputy Jen Chance is to act as Director of Planning pending the appointment of a successor.