North and west Isle of Man development plan rejected

The plan encompassed Ramsey, Peel, surrounding villages and districts across the west coast

A development plan for the north and west of the Isle of Man has been rejected after it failed to get the majority of support in Tynwald after a combined vote.

The decision over the framework had already been delayed after a majority in the Legislative Council voted against it in October.

In its latest presentation to Tynwald, the treasury minister brought forward an amendment, which prompted criticism and further debate from members.

But Alex Allinson said it only sought to alleviate previous fears raised in earlier sittings of the Manx parliament.

The Area Plan for the North and West is the final regional development plan, following separate plans for the south and east.

As well as the towns of Peel and Ramsey, it encompasses German, Patrick, Michael, Jurby, Andreas, Bride, Ballaugh, Lezayre, and the Maughold ward of Garff.

A combined vote between members of the House of Keys and Legislative Council was split evenly at 16 for and 16 against, which ultimately meant it failed to carry.

'Vote for developers'

Allinson, who is also a member for Ramsey, said the amendment bolstered protections for potential development on greenfield sites to meet certain requirements.

He said: "Half of our island is still covered by plans that date back decades, some as far as 1982 - we cannot afford to stand still."

The plan "supports regeneration in town centres, protects our landscapes, and provides for economic growth," he added.

But a number of members criticised the timing of the amendment, including Glenfaba and Peel MHK Kate Lord-Brennan, who previously said the plan was "really a vote for developers" and warned it would see "green fields disappear".

Responding to the amendment, she branded it an "absolute nonsense", which provided "no assurance at all".

Echoing these sentiments, Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover said: "I can't see this adds anything at all."

He called it a "smoke screen" and urged members "not to be swayed by it".

'A crucial planning tool'

Mover of the bill, Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said: "This is something that has had a huge amount of work and preparation going into it.

"It has been through independent inquiries, there's been over a thousand consultation responses, a public inquiry, drop-in sessions... even a webinar."

He warned that, without the plan, the north and west would remain as it was, with outdated plans and left "at the behest of the developers" who could take advantage of zoned land.

Asking members to support it, he said it was "a crucial planning tool for delivering sustainable coordinated development".

It ensured that "housing isn't developed in isolation, but also alongside the things like schools, community facilities, open spaces, and transport links, that actually make communities more than just a residential estate".

However, his words were not convincing enough to incite a majority of support, and the plan will not be taken forward.