Planning – Draft Area Plan for the East

Overview

What is the Area Plan for the East?

The Area Plan will implement the broad Island-wide planning ‘Policies’ set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 including:

• a written statement and a set of maps
• a series of ‘Proposals’, many being site specific, set out how the East may change within the Plan Period (up to 2026) and what will be protected from change
• development opportunities for employment purposes, housing and other land uses are identified

A Sustainable Island

The Draft Area Plan for the East and its proposals attempt to:

• balance the natural environment and key landscapes with our economic, housing and social needs
• provide direction for growth and concentrates opportunities around our existing settlements in a sensible and sustainable pattern
• provide a high quality environment with proper infrastructure planning to retain and develop key businesses, attract investors and improve quality of life
• offer opportunities for housing and for the building of communities which already have a sense of place

The aim is to create places well served in the future by:

• open space
• facilities
• opportunities
• social and green infrastructure

Focused Centres, Connections and Opportunities

For the Island’s communities, shops and business networks to flourish, connectivity between people, activity centres and places are key.

The Draft Plan aims to make the most out our village centres and highlight the opportunities within Douglas town centre in particular. These areas need to be destinations for residents and visitors alike with clear direction and purpose.

Proposals for Douglas set out exciting ideas for improvement, re-use, public realm and site opportunities for residential, leisure, shopping – at the same time – protecting and enhancing the shopping and office centres in town. Douglas needs to be a thriving well-connected hub of activity.

Character and landscape

The Draft Plan protects the unique character of the East by taking into account key views and broad landscape strategy. New areas proposed for development integrate through specific briefs, the need for good design for both our natural and built spaces.

Where can I get more information?

Paper copies of the Draft Area Plan for the East are available to view at:

• The Welcome Centre, Sea Terminal, Douglas
• Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas
• Planning Reception Area, 3rd Floor, Government Offices, Bucks Road, Douglas

Note: The Draft Plan can be purchased from The Welcome Centre only. A variety of public events and displays will take place throughout the 12 week consultation period from 18 June 2018. Further details will be advertised in the local media and also on the gov.im website in due course.

Why your views matter

This consultation seeks views on the Written Statement and the Maps as well as the supporting evidence papers. It follows on from the Preliminary Publicity, responses to which have been taken into account during the preparation of the Draft Plan. 

Responses to this consultation will help to refine and amend elements of the Plan ahead of the public inquiry. 

Comments will:

• help resolve any outstanding issues
• finalise development briefs
• help produce a sustainable development plan for the East

We are keen to hear your views.

What happens next

Now that the consultation is closed, the Cabinet Office will:

1. Consider all of the comments received
2. Prepare for a Public Inquiry, making public any proposed changes to the draft plan in light of the representations or objections made
3. Consider any recommendations made from the Public Inquiry
4. Respond with modifications if appropriate, and adopt a final area plan
5. Present the final area plan to Tynwald for approval.