The Department of Infrastructure is seeking to identify new employment development sites to help stimulate economic growth in the Isle of Man.

A ‘Call for Sites for Employment Land’ is being issued today (Friday 31st July 2015), as part of the Enterprise Isle package of initiatives announced at the July sitting of Tynwald.

The intention is to explore the potential for using Development Orders to release land for employment purposes, such as manufacturing, industrial, warehousing and distribution type uses. Landowners and developers are being invited to put forward suitable sites for consideration ahead of the preparation of future Area Plans.

The call for sites is an important element of the Government’s strategy to create a more sustainable future for the Isle of Man. The wide-ranging proposals also include a ?50 million Enterprise Development Fund, new tax incentives and changes in financial regulation, work permits and online services for business.

The Government has recognised that a lack of suitable land could stall investment and growth if positive, timely action is not taken.

The Employment Land Review 2015 produced for the Isle of Man Government highlights the strong demand for additional employment land, primarily in the East. There is clear evidence to suggest land supply will start to dry up in the East within three years if current rates of take-up are maintained and new sites are not released.

The call for sites is aimed at identifying a shortlist of sites which will then undergo rigorous assessment to determine their suitability to be taken forward through the Development Order process.

Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘Infrastructure is committed to playing a leading role in Government’s efforts to re-energise the drive for economic growth. If businesses are to expand and create more jobs for our people we must provide them with the appropriate space to do so.’

He added: ‘Although the priority for employment land clearly lies in the East, the call for sites will extend across the entire Island. It is my intention to bring forward one or more Development Orders within the next 12 months. This will support the economic growth needed to maintain our quality of life and to fund Government spending in key areas such as health, social care, education, benefits and pensions.’

Sites put forward for consideration will be judged against a comprehensive set of criteria, taking into account factors such as size and location, proximity to public transport routes, accessibility to infrastructure and services, and impact on the environment and wildlife.

No site will progress to the draft Development Order stage unless it is deliverable in the short term and the Department is satisfied of the potential economic benefits it will deliver and that any environmental impact can be mitigated.

Owners of shortlisted sites will be expected to fund the collation of evidence to support the consideration of their applications and to provide any additional information required.

The call for sites form and an explanatory note are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.im/callforsites.  

The deadline for submission of completed forms and any supporting material is 5pm on Friday 04 September 2015 by email to PlanningPolicy.DOI@gov.im or post to Planning Policy Team, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF.