How Should Land be Developed?

The Cabinet Office has launched a public consultation on the preliminary publicity for the review of the island’s strategic plan 2016.

The plan provides the overarching planning policy framework for the island with high-level policies for the development and other use of land.

The next Strategic Plan will shape what the island will look like in the future and will guide land use and development.

Developing Land

Preliminary publicity is the first formal stage in the preparation of a development plan and sets out the issues which a plan will deal with and options being considered.

Views on key issues are sought from anyone with an interest in the future sustainable development of the island.

The consultation is open until October 27 and responses will shape the production and publication of a draft strategic plan.

Strategic Plan

If accepted by the Cabinet Office and approved by Tynwald, a new strategic plan will:

• Create a new statutory development plan for 2021 to 2041
• Replace the Isle of Man  Strategic Plan 2016, with Tynwald approval
• Identify the Island’s housing and other land use needs for 2021 to 2041 
• Embed six climate change goals in the Climate Change Act 2021 in the development plan.

The review underway will ensure climate change targets, initiatives and sustainability are aligned with planning policies and legislation.

Preliminary publicity explains that in future new strategic infrastructure may be required to satisfy the long term needs for local communities – such as housing, transport, energy or waste – and may overlap with sensitive areas and rural locations.

Papers highlight that such development often needs to be balanced with any adverse impacts.

You click here to respond to the consultation.