Law firm raises concerns over deliverability and independence of North and West Area Plan

Tynwald members urged to consider alleged flaws in the planning process

A Douglas law firm has written to all members of Tynwald raising concerns about the proposed Area Plan for the North and West, which is due to be considered for approval during this month’s sitting.

In a letter sent to members on behalf of its client, Baccarat Limited, Simcocks Advocates argues that the Town and Country Planning (Area Plan for the North & West) Order 2025 is based on outdated data, lacks independence, and may be undeliverable in its current form.

The firm claims the plan was developed without an updated National Infrastructure Strategy, last published in 2018, which had already identified congestion issues at key junctions into Douglas - including Governor’s Dip and Quarterbridge - operating at around 85 percent over capacity.

It says the government has failed to produce credible or deliverable proposals to mitigate future traffic growth linked to new housing developments proposed in the plan.

Simcocks also questions whether other departments, such as Highways, Health and Social Care, and Education, Culture and Sport, were adequately consulted.

It argues that the plan does not properly account for the infrastructure, health, education, energy, and drainage capacity required to support population growth, warning that development could be delayed or fail altogether - as it says has happened under the East Area Plan.

The letter further raises concerns about governance and independence, alleging that the Cabinet Office’s dual role in both drafting the plan and administering the public inquiry created a potential conflict of interest.

It criticises the lack of formal, independent Terms of Reference for the inquiry, and the use of the Attorney General’s Chambers rather than an independent law firm to advise the inspector.

Simcocks concludes that the plan may not conform to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, and warns that approving it could undermine the stated goal of achieving sustainable growth and improved connectivity across the Island.

The firm urges politicians to ensure that any order brought before Tynwald demonstrates sound process, reliable data, and alignment with government policy before being approved.

Manx Radio has approached the Isle of Man Government for comment.