UK-based planning officers contracted due to 'recruitment challenges'

Final decisions made by experienced on-Island officers

Government has confirmed it's had to contract a 'small number' of UK-based planning officers due to 'recruitment challenges' on-Island.

In a statement to Manx Radio, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says: "All contractors are required to familiarise themselves with Manx planning legislation, policies, and strategies.

"They travel to the Island for site visits and regularly engage with applicants and stakeholders—both in person and via platforms like Teams.

"Importantly, contract planners do not make decisions on applications.

"They provide recommendations only. Final decisions are made by experienced on-Island officers with delegated authority or by the Planning Committee.

"All planning applications and reports are published online, ensuring transparency and public scrutiny."

Manx Radio has requested additional information from the department regarding the nature of the 'local recruitment challenges' and the number of officers contracted.

UPDATE:

In a subsequent statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture stated it is 'difficult to give an exact number' of officers - but confirmed there have generally been between three and five.

They said: "It’s difficult to give an exact number, as UK-based planning officers have been brought in on a flexible, as-needed basis over a number of years to support the team.

"That said, between 2022 and 2024, they had between three and five officers working to help reduce a significant backlog of applications.

"Currently, I believe they have one retained for general capacity and another assisting with a small number of complex applications."

They added: "These experienced contractors have helped speed up decision-making and bring useful specialisms to the team.

"Their input has also supported knowledge-sharing with on-Island officers, which is proving valuable."