Cabinet Office and Manx Utilities set out Island's future needs at public inquiry session

Draft North and West Area Plan sets out the needs for the area

The Cabinet Office has been defending its plan for policies and land zoning for utilities and transport at the inquiry into the area plan for the north and west.

Inquiry inspector Brian Sims heard views from the department and also residents and local authorities.

Manx Utilities gave evidence about water and electricity usage on the Island and the need for future proofing.

Evidence was given by the Executive Director of Water and Waste Water, Tim Woakes saying the average island resident uses 210 litres a day and this would have to be reduced to support the future of the supply.

He said in contrast – the average UK resident uses 150 litres per day.

The MU would not be looking to install any new technologies anytime soon, but instead would be looking for residents to be more mindful of their water consumption.

Executive Director for the power system Adrian Dobbins said the electricity grid has spare capacity for new developments due to electric use decreasing over the last 15 to 20 years from 95 megawatts to 70 megawatts.

Whilst Lizzie Riley, who works on the energy transition programme, set out in her evidence the authority’s plan for decarbonising fuel in the future and move to ‘clean fuels’.

Which could include hydrogen or hydrogenated vegetable oil and would serve as a back up for any renewable energy sources.

Commissioner Carole Lillywhite raised her concerns with the lack of public transport zoned for Kirk Michael and protections for residents in the village.

She said bus and public transport services are lacking for residents and the road is the main thoroughfare for getting to Ramsey from Peel and vice versa.

Other points raised from Ms Lillywhite included issues during the TT week and the access routes from the village not being considered in the draft plan.

Concerns about the old railway line network in the north and the potential for making it more accessible and for paving works to be done.

It was felt by the inspector that the wording in the draft plan was strong enough that no issues should be encountered, but the cabinet office agreed accessibility could be added into it.

The inquiry will continue until next Friday.