Plans to build more houses in and around Castletown will help increase a population that has been 'stifled' for more than a generation, says the town's MHK.

Richard Ronan has welcomed a decision by the government to focus on identifying land for new housing estates.

It follows a public inquiry into a review of the all-island strategic plan. Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne says his department is giving the highest priority to grow and develop the south and east of the island. A new area plan for the east is being developed.

In the south, the government is looking for sites to create more housing opportunities, with Mr Gawne stating: 'I am keen to progress to the next stage as soon as possible and want to make the call for sites by the end of this month.'

Mr Ronan said this was great news for Castletown, adding: 'It is obvious to the town’s elected representatives that Castletown’s population growth has been stifled for more than a generation, resulting in an imbalance in public versus private sector housing provision and constraints on the economically active population of the surrounding area.

'Just after I was elected as the town’s MHK, the Area Plan for the South came to fruition. It was immediately obvious to me that this plan did little to address this imbalance or pent up demand for more homes in Castletown and its environs.

'I immediately engaged with the Department of Infrastructure Minister at the time, David Cretney MHK, who acknowledged my concerns and ensured that a partial review focusing on Castletown’s future housing need would take place within six months, which was supported by my Tynwald colleagues.

'Although outside this original timeframe, I am delighted that Minister Gawne has finally signalled the start of the housing review for our town.’

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