Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne has announced a review of the planning system he says is designed to make it simpler, more transparent and fit for purpose.

A petition for redress of grievance presented at last year's Tynwald Day ceremony claimed the existing system was 'open to abuse and cronyism and is detrimental to the people of the Isle of Man'.

Mr Gawne told Tynwald this week that planning was a controversial issue that frequently left all sides dissatisfied.

He said: 'It is clear to me though that the planners and the planning committee do an excellent job in following the policies and processes we have set for them. If we collectively have a problem with planning then it is up to us, the law makers and policy generators, to change things.

'The review I have announced today will do just that.

'I believethis review will provide an excellent opportunity to flush out people’s concerns and endeavour to address them in way which will hopefully simplify the process.'

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