The cost of submitting planning applications and appeals will continue to represent good value for money even with a slight increase.

That’s the view of Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, who will seek Tynwald’s approval for the increase this month.

Subject to Tynwald’s approval, the cost of submitting planning applications would rise by 5%, rounded off to the nearest ?5, from 1st August 2015.

Costs are calculated on a scale depending on the complexity of the development proposed so, for example, an application currently costing ?80 would increase to ?85 while an application costing ?250 would rise to ?265.

The cost of submitting a planning application last rose in April 2014.

It is also proposed to introduce a ?120 surcharge on telecommunications-related applications to contribute to the cost of advertising these in local newspapers – as there is a legal requirement to do so.

The cost of submitting a planning appeal, which has remained unchanged since its introduction two years ago, would rise from ?150 to ?165.

The fee cap that has applied to large-scale developments such as onshore wind farms or major housing developments will also be abolished, enabling the Planning and Building Control Division of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to recoup a more realistic proportion of its costs in dealing with such applications.

The Minister said the price rise would enable his Department to recover slightly more of the cost of handling an application and help it meet budgetary targets.

‘The cost of submitting a planning application will continue to represent only a small proportion of the cost of most construction projects, even those of a domestic nature, and the proposed fees remain well below UK levels,’ the Minister said.

Tynwald will be asked to approve the Town and Country Planning (Application and Appeal Fees) (No 2) Order 2015.