The Local Government and the Environment Minister is calling for all those with an interest in the operation of the planning system to make comments and suggestions as to how it might be improved.

What improvements would you like to see to the planning system?

Local Government and the Environment Minister John Shimmin is calling for all those with an interest in the operation of the planning system to make comments and suggestions as to how it might be improved.

His department has published a consultation paper, which accepts the current planning service does not meet the aspirations of either the members of the department or its staff.

The department is also to publish a report on the planning system by the Improvement and Development Agency for local government in England (IDeA), based on input from local authorities, applicants, objectors, developers and special-interest groups.

It makes many recommendations for improving the system, including changes to the operation of planning committee meetings, changes to third-party rights of appeal and prioritising the enforcement workload.

The IDeA review followed Tynwald's request for an independent review of the planning system following a debate on the handling of an application relating to the Poacher's Pocket housing development at Ballasalla, where a decision relating to the plan was made under delegated powers. Objectors felt, however, the decision should have been subject of a fresh planning application.

The department's consultation paper seeks comments on both the independent report and the changes to the planning system that were made in 2005. Such changes included holding planning committee meetings in public, the introduction of site notices, extended permitted development rights for householders, higher standards for planning applications and the introduction of enforcement notices.

The department itself suggests changes, including extending permitted development, the introduction of a separate, faster stream for householder applications, and the introduction of an opportunity for applicants and objectors to address the planning committee.

While acknowledging the need for change and improvement, Mr Shimmin drew attention to the disparity between the 150 planning applications a year per officer in England, and the current workload of some 480 applications per planning officer in the Island.

He feels there is opportunity for a more efficient service.

Comments or suggestions from members of the public are invited on any of the matters raised in either document, and should be submitted by December 15.

Submissions should be emailed to planningreview@dlge.gov.im or posted to

Review of the Planning System

DLGE,

Murray House,

Mount Havelock,

Douglas.

Copies of the documents can be viewed or downloaded from the department's website: www.gov.im/dlge/planning/plan/latestreview.xml or purchased for £2 from Murray House.