Planning process 'not a barrier' to growth

Committee chair insists all decisions made are balanced

The Island's new planning chief has denied that the current planning system acts as a barrier to economic growth.

Ayre & Michael MHK Tim Baker says every decision made by the planning committee has to balance conflicting interests and priorities - while upholding political and legal principles.

The planning committee chairman says the court order to demolish a row of holiday homes in Santon is justified - as the owners flouted planning law.

Mr Baker says while in that case all legal avenues were exhausted, the majority of applicants work hand-in-hand with the department.