Eastern Area Plan inquiry begins at the Villa Marina today

Introduction by inspector before round table on housing

A public inquiry, which could influence the shape and size of towns in the Island for years to come, opens at the Villa Marina today.

It's the next round of scrutiny for the draft Eastern Area Plan, a document by the Cabinet Office which will zone land in the east for development.

The inquiry gets underway at 9:30am at the Promenade Suite in the Villa Marina, when independent planning inspector Mike Hurley will give an introduction. 

Over the next two and half weeks, he'll be overseeing discussions between politicians, developers and other interested parties on a variety of issues.

Today's session starts with a round table on housing and population policy, with the final meeting scheduled for 27 September. 

Once the inquiry has finished, Mr Hurley will produce a report which may recommend changes to the area plan.

The Cabinet Office may or may not then modify the document, before it seeks to have it approved by Tynwald.

Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne has this report: