Politicians have expressed growing frustration over the speed of brownfield regeneration, with one minister admitting progress has been “frustratingly slow”.
Members also warned that visible change has not matched the urgency of the housing crisis.
Speaking in the debate, Rob Callister told Tynwald: “While I recognise that there are some genuine progress that has been made in certain areas, I remain of the view that overall progress during the past five years has been far too slow.
“I think a point that the Minister has just made himself, particularly in addressing empty and dilapidated properties.”
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford had earlier conceded in his opening remarks: “Progress has been made, even if sometimes, from my personal point of view, it has been frustratingly slow in some areas, but there is much, much more to do.”
Frustrated
Joney Faragher reminded the court of public expectations, saying: “All MHKs in here heard it repeatedly on the doorstep. People were already frustrated by derelict buildings, stalled sites, declining town centres, and the growing difficulty of finding suitable and affordable homes.
“After several years, many will feel that progress has been far too slow.”
She added: “The island needs faster progress, more visible outcomes, and a greater sense of urgency than we have seen so far.”
Tim Glover directly challenged the minister, asking: “Can the minister demonstrate what success looks like here and does the minister accept that progress has been too slow?”
In response, Mr Ashford said: “I actually beat him to it. As I said in my opening remarks, I felt things have on occasions been, from my point of view, frustratingly slow, but I do believe there is progress, and I do believe we are travelling in the right direction.”