The public consultation on how to improve the Island’s planning system will now run until 8 January 2018.

The wide-ranging consultation seeks views on how planning can respond to the Island’s needs while conserving its unique environment.

The consultation honours a pledge in the Programme for Government to create a ‘planning system that supports sustainable growth’.

Fifty-five questions are posed, with ideas being explored including:

• Whether Government should be able to change planning policy more readily to progress its policies
• Whether more development can take place without the need for planning approval
• Whether some  projects should be subject to a levy to support local infrastructure
• Whether powers of compulsory purchase should be used more in acquiring sites for development.

Chris Thomas MHK, Minister for Policy and Reform, said:

‘We are extending this consultation by three weeks, after a number of organisations, including local authorities, asked for more time to draw up their response.

‘Development and conservation decisions affect where we live and where we work so planning matters. I would urge anyone with an interest in how our Island evolves to take the time to respond to help us make the right changes to our planning system.’

The consultation is at https://consult.gov.im/ and can be completed online.

Inquiries about the consultation can be directed to reviewofplanning@gov.im.

Paper copies can be obtained from Murray House at Mount Havelock, Douglas, or the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and responses should be sent to:

Review of Planning
Cabinet Office
Third Floor
Government Office
Bucks Road
Douglas
IM1 3PN.

The deadline for responses is Monday 8th January 2018.