Hopes for Tynwald approval of plan next year

Further land for housing is essential for Castletown, the Infrastructure Minister has reiterated.

Phil Gawne was speaking after an independent inspector backed key recommendations in his department’s draft Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

It’s described as a framework for delivering a robust planning policy for the Island.

That includes the development of more than 5,000 homes between 2011 and 2026 – nearly half of which would be built in the east of the Island.

The report recommends an extra 1,100 homes are built in the south and 770 each in the north and west of the Island.

Minister Gawne says he’s heartened by the inspectors’ comments and acknowledgment of the importance of the release of land in the ancient capital.

Infrastructure chiefs now hope to adopt the draft plan and go to Tynwald for approval next year.