THE public got its first glimpse of the long-awaited Issues and Options Report for the Southern Area Plan yesterday (Monday 28th July 08).

The report, produced by the Department of Local Government and the Environment, will guide the future direction of Rushen, Port Erin, Port St Mary, Arbory, Castletown, and Malew in respect of housing; business, tourism, transport; infrastructure, utilities, the environment, sport, recreation, open space and community facilities, minerals, energy and waste.

It includes comments made by the public in response to a leaflet Planning our Island's future – together, distributed in January. There were 500 responses – a high number that the department said illustrated the public's interest and involvement in the whole process – which had been 'very helpful in compiling the current report'.

Chapters within the report also cover issues specific to various settlements and parishes.

Local Government Minister John Shimmin said the department was 'delighted and impressed by the number and nature of the responses to the leaflet' and said it was hoped this level of interest would be maintained or exceeded in the next stage of the process.

He added: 'Whilst it is unlikely that we will be able to prepare a plan that keeps everyone happy, we shall stand a better chance if you have made us aware of your views.'

The public is invited to respond in writing to the report – by email or post – by October 24. After the responses are taken into account, it is estimated the draft plan will be published within 12 months – the final report should be produced by June 2010.

A plan for the east will be started next year, followed by plans for the west and north.

The DLGE has also produced a site assessment framework (formulated by independent consultants) that sets out a series of criteria to guide all potential development sites. It includes a 'site identification form' for landowners and developers to point out any potential land for development.

The framework will help with the Southern Area Plan and also planning Island-wide. The full report is available on DLGE's website at www.gov.im/dlge/

Also produced is the landscape charter assessment identifying different categories of the Island's landscape to develop appropriate management and policies.

The DLGE has compiled a summary of residential land available that includes information on where planning permission has been granted, where work has already started and how much allocated land is available for development.

Copies of both are available from the department, or summaries are on the DLGE's website.