Plans for a pioneering new headquarters for the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry are progressing well.

A submission has been made for planning approval, and it's hoped work will begin on site after the proposals have been discussed by Tynwald in October.

Beth Espey has more details:

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The Department says the new headquarters on Foxdale Road, St Johns will centralise six divisions which are currently based around the Island. The building will act as a pioneer for energy efficiency and sustainability, in-line with the environmental policies of government.

The plans incorporate many energy saving measures which minimise the building services needed, and once completed, will remove the need for air conditioning - a major drain on the environment.

It's understood this will be the first building of its type and size on the Island.

DAFF Minister Phil Gawne says it's an exciting time believes it is entirely appropriate that the department should take the lead with such a project which will reduce the carbon footprint for the future.