Draft North and West Area Plan recommended for adoption by inspector

Jurby Airfield safeguarding zone has been removed from the document

The Draft North and West Area Plan has been recommended for formal adoption by an independent planning inspector, following a number of recommendations. 

Inspector Brian Sims requested that the Jurby Airfield safeguarding zone be removed from the plan and is instead included in the airport masterplan. 

He said the airfield zoning caused a 'strong adverse reaction' from the community, both within and outside the inquiry who were 'unaware' of any proposal to extend the runway.

The masterplan for Ronaldsway would recognise the 'strategic importance' of Jurby airfield as a potential contingency to the airport but this is yet to be formally assessed.

Land at Poyll Dooey was also rejected because its 'not appropriate' based on inquiry evidence, whilst there would be no allocations for leisure facilities as this would need resources from companies to develop. 

A planning application in principle was recently approved by the planning committee but the inspector said based on the evidence available to him at the inquiry - he wouldn't allocate it for residential use.

Mr Sims also said in his report that it's clear the draft plan 'fails by a long margin' to meet the numerical standards of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 for sports pitches and play space.

He recommended that the Cabinet Office put forward 'clear commitments' to speak with interested parties.

Mr Sims concluded the report saying it didn't meet the Strategic Plan but the Cabinet Office should take on the recommendations. 

The full report can be found HERE.