An MHK has called on the President of Tynwald to explain why his motion on the Westmoreland Village development was ruled out of order.
Chris Thomas sought a written explanation after his motion, covering the MDC’s strategy report and legal agreement heads of terms, was not moved.
When the matter came up in the July Tynwald, President Lawrence Skelly declared that the item “not be moved”.
“It would be helpful, if not today, to append a written statement about why this item is now out of order,” Mr Thomas said. “People can ask questions about the application of planning policies and the use of legal agreements, which is common practice in Tynwald in recent years.”
Mr Skelly, citing a prior court ruling, said he had “already explained I’m satisfied based on the ruling of the court previously”.
He also advised Mr Thomas to take any challenge to the standing orders committee, adding, “If you wish to ask a written question, that is your prerogative.”
Mr Thomas clarified, “I’m not criticising your decision. I’m asking you to write it down for clarity, to explain why this motion and its parts, the legal agreement and planning report, are out of order.”
The Motion
Mr Thomas’ motion read:
That Tynwald calls for:
a) Government to lay a report for debate at the October 2025 Tynwald sitting regarding the application of strategies and policies for:
i) planning;
ii) affordable housing; and
iii) active travel and parking; at the Manx Development Corporation Westmoreland Village development site; and
b) the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, the Department of Infrastructure and the Treasury to lay before Tynwald for approval before signature any proposed Heads of Terms of Legal Agreements for the development of all or part of this Westmoreland Village site.
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