The Department of Infrastructure is seeking to identify potential sites for new residential development in Castletown.

A Call for Sites for the Castletown Housing Land Review has been issued today (Friday 30 October 2015), as part of the overall drive to support sustainable development and economic growth.

The move fulfils a commitment made by Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK following the Public Inquiry into the Draft Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2015.

The Department is inviting landowners, developers and those with sufficient interest to put forward sites for consideration. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 18 December 2015.

The aim is to explore the potential for new housing development in and around Castletown. It is hoped to identify a shortlist of sites that will then undergo rigorous assessment to determine their suitability.

The call for sites response form, site assessment framework, explanatory note and map are available on the Government website at www.gov.im/callforsitescastletown. 

Completed forms and any supporting material can be emailed to PlanningPolicy.DOI@gov.im or posted to Planning Policy Team, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF.

Minister Gawne said: ‘Our communities should have the opportunity to grow and develop in a way that suits their needs. There is concern that a lack of new housing is forcing young people who wish to stay in Castletown to leave in search of somewhere to live. The Department is seeking to explore options to help Castletown remain a sustainable and thriving community in the south of the Island.’

The Department will publish a map identifying sites submitted during the process, along with initial assessment scores and the recommended approach for the remainder of the Castletown Review.