
MHK believes more time is needed to understand impact on Manx countryside
An MHK says the public needs more time to fully understand the impact the North and West Area Plan could have on the Manx countryside.
When Tynwald returns today (21 October) after a three-month recess, the plan will be among the items to be considered for approval.
However, Douglas Central member Chris Thomas has told Manx Radio he'll be looking to delay the debate on the document until next month.
If approved, the plan would set out how to manage and guide development based on social, environmental and economic needs.
But Mr Thomas believes the plan would enable developers to favour building on greenfield land over disused brownfield sites:#
The area plan provides a framework against which all development applications will be assessed.
Areas include the Towns of Ramsey and Peel, the District of Michael and the Parishes of Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Jurby, Lezayre, German, Patrick and the Maughold Ward of Garff.
The plans hopes to build better communities, support health and well-being goals, support a vibrant community, protect the environment and support the delivery of the Our Island Plan, among others.
During the draft phase, land had been rezoned for residential development.
It's also been cited as one of the reasons behind the resignation of both Glenfaba and Peel MHK's from the Council of Ministers.
You can find out more HERE.
The plan has also been a big talking point for the local commissioners.
Manx Radio's Chanelle Sukhoo has been speaking to Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper about it:
Cabinet Office Minister defends plan
In response, the Cabinet Office says: ‘The Minister for the Cabinet Office [David Ashford] welcomes scrutiny of the Area Plan for the North and West. Ahead of the debate, the Minister has sought to respond fully and openly to all those who have raised questions or concerns, whether through correspondence or in response to Written Questions from Members of the House of Keys. Every effort has been made to provide clear, factual answers on the specific matters raised, in the interests of transparency and to support informed decision-making.
‘It would however be inappropriate to pre-empt this important Tynwald debate by participating in media debate in advance.
‘The development of an Area Plan follows a statutory process which ensures robust evidence, public engagement, and independent scrutiny. This process has included preliminary publicity and a call for sites, public consultation on the Draft Plan and supporting evidence (June–September 2022), and an independent public inquiry led by a Planning Inspector (July 2024), prior to adoption and submission to Tynwald for approval.
‘More than 1,500 representations were submitted during this process, and all have been published online for transparency. Last-minute lobbying should not be interpreted as Cabinet Office failing to listen: the Area Plan process has been open to anyone across the Island with an interest in the Plan – from individuals to private companies and including Local Authorities – and every submission has been considered seriously and in detail.
‘Area Plans necessarily have to reach a balanced position, identifying land for future development while protecting our communities and landscape. The Cabinet Office has adopted the Area Plan for the North and West on the basis it does achieve that balance, in conformity with the overarching Strategic Plan.
‘The Town and Country Planning Act now requires Tynwald Members to accept or reject the Area Plan for the North and West as a whole.
‘The Minister is grateful to all who have participated in the extensive process to date, and looks forward to the debate in Tynwald, confident that Members have the evidence they need to make an informed decision in the best interests of the Island.’
You can listen to Tynwald live from Manx Radio AM frequency, on DAB or online from 10am.