Michael, Andreas, Bride, German, Jurby, Lezayre, and Patrick have 'serious concerns'
Several local authorities have signed a joint resolution calling for the Area Plan for the North and West to be withdrawn.
The plan is being put forward for approval at this month's sitting of Tynwald, which gets underway today (21 October).
In a letter addressed to all Tynwald members, representatives of Michael, Andreas, Bride, German, Jurby, Lezayre, and Patrick say they each have serious concerns.
It says: "Given the late and substantial changes, unresolved infrastructure constraints, and reliance on unadopted methods for calculating housing need, the Modified Draft Area Plan for the North and West should be withdrawn and reconsidered after the new Strategic Plan is in place.
Whilst Peel Commissioners hasn't signed the document, it's understood to have shared its own letter to members expressing a 'similar opinion'.
Responding to concerns raised by local authorities and Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas, the Cabinet Office told Manx Radio:
‘The Minister for the Cabinet Office 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.’
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