A SMALL inquiry court that is less costly, allowing less well off complainants to appeal against decisions, should be introduced into the planning inquiry system, Castletown commissioner Colin Leather has said.

Mr Leather made his suggestion as the board considered a Review of the Planning System document, sent by the Department of Local Government and the Environment to all local authorities along with information on a consultation paper, about which comments should be made by December 15.

Mr Leather said: 'The cost of going to inquiry is comparatively big for one person or company, or a public body (such as Castletown Commissioners) representing a town with a small amount of money.

'They should take this into a small inquiry court for planning so everybody has a fair and equal whack at it.'

Alwyn Callister made the point that, while the report includes plans to invite the public to speak at committee meetings, 'there is nothing about the costs to local authorities when we go to battle these people'.

Andrew Thomas said the cost of losing and payment of any damages are prohibitively high. He said supermarkets end up being built in town centre locations because local authorities 'cannot afford to fight the application.'

Chairman Richard Ronan said the planning process should be built on 'fairness and transparency.'

Mr Callister suggested some of the people from the UK who had compiled the report had probably never visisted the Island before and therefore did not know enough about it.