Modifications to the Draft Area Plan for the East

Following consideration of the Inspector’s recommendations, the Cabinet Office published a notice announcing the general effect of the proposed modifications on the 14th February 2020. Eight weeks were permitted for any person to make objections or representations in writing concerning the modifications proposed which were set out in several documents on the Consultation Hub.

There were 49 responses to the consultation, with responses from Local Authorities, Political Members, Developers and the Public. Topics ranged from the TT Access Road, Strategic Reserve Release Mechanism and the Town Centre Boundary.

Cabinet Office has now considered the representations received during the consultation on the Modifications and full commentary is set out in a ‘Cabinet Office Response Table’ which has been made public.  On the 21 September 2020, the Cabinet Office adopted, by order, the Area Plan for the East.  

Cabinet Office intends to take the Adopted Plan to the October 2020 sitting of Tynwald. Minister for Policy and Reform, Ray Harmer MHK, will move that The Town and Country Planning (Area Plan for the East) Order 2020 be approved.  Should the plan be approved, it will come into operation on 1 December 2020 and result in the revocation of the following plans as they relate to the area covered by the Area Plan:

• The Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982
• Braddan Parish District Local Plan, 1991
• Douglas Local Plan, 1998
• Onchan Local Plan, 2000
• Laxey & Lonan Area Plan, 2005

The Adopted Plan and ‘Cabinet Office Response Table’ is available on the Government website http://www.gov.im/tape.  Alternatively, copies can be viewed at Cabinet Office, 3^rd floor Reception, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas IM1 3PN