Isle of Man Development Plan Modifications Expected in New Year

The Cabinet Office has confirmed that modifications to a report concerning the zoning of future development land on the Isle of Man are scheduled for publication in the new year. This document, known as the Area Plan for the North and West, specifies which areas within these regions are designated for housing or industrial purposes and which are to be preserved as green spaces. Among the updates recommended by an independent planning inspector was the rejection of including land at Ramsey’s Poyll Dooey for residential development. The department indicated that residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed modifications during a 10-week consultation period, which will commence after their release. The scope of the plan covers the towns of Peel and Ramsey, along with the parishes of German, Patrick, Jurby, Andreas, Bride, Ballaugh, Lezayre, and the Maughold ward of Garff. An initial draft of the plan was issued in 2022, subsequently undergoing significant alterations in March of the current year before becoming the focus of a public inquiry. The independent planning inspector concluded that the current draft plan “does not achieve the requisite general conformity with current Isle of Man strategic planning policy.” However, the inspector noted that conformity would be achieved if a series of significant changes detailed in the report were put into effect. These changes encompassed the rejection of land at Ramsey’s Poyll Dooey for residential development and the elimination of the Jurby Airfield safeguarding zone. Furthermore, the report determined that flood alleviation schemes for Peel and Ramsey harbours should be “supported in principle” solely after an assessment of their impact on nature conservation sites and biosecurity. In a statement, the Cabinet Office indicated it has been “considering the detailed document” and plans to announce “when and where details of proposed modifications” will be accessible early in the new year. It further stated that any interested party would then “have the opportunity to make representations and objections on the proposed modifications” throughout the consultation period. Implementation of the final area plan is contingent upon its adoption by the Cabinet Office and subsequent approval by Tynwald.