Views sought on moves to speed up planning process

The changes would give organisers longer to set up and take down the TT Fan Park

Events such as circuses or concerts held on publicly owned land could take place without the need to formally apply for planning permission under proposals put forward by the Manx government.

A consultation outlining a possible broadening of the events and buildings required for them that could fall under the banner of permitted developments.

It said the proposed changes would "make the process of conducting smaller and less controversial development easier, faster, and cheaper".

Local authorities could also be given the powers to install play equipment and art installations, as well as holding events without the need to apply.

Conservation area

Under the proposals, events held on land owned or operated by the government, a local authority, or a statutory board, such as the circus held in Noble's Park in Douglas, would no longer need to be seek planning permission.

The government is also considering amendment to the rules at the TT Grandstand that would allow for operations relating to the running of the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT races to be carried out without an application.

That would include competitors' garages and workshops, hospitality, grandstands, and accommodation.

Those changes would see an extension to the set up and take down time for the events from 10 to 14 days either side of the TT and MGP festivals.

The proposals would also ensure that any safety works needed around the Mountain Course or the Billown Circuit in the south of the island would be granted permitted status.

The consultation document said the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture deals with about 1,400 applications each year, with more than 60% relating to smaller proposals including about 70 applications asking to replace windows in conservation areas.

If the proposals were adopted, home owners living in those areas would also be given more powers to make changes to their back gardens with specifically applying for permission, such as adding garden sheds, green houses, and air source heat pumps.