'More needs to be done to improve understanding of planning system'

Tynwald Commissioner finds planning system lacks clarity for those not familiar with its processes

The department in charge of the Island's planning system could do more to explain planning processes to those objecting to applications.

That's the finding of the Tynwald Commissioner of Administration after an Onchan resident complained about the handling of her objections to a neighbour's construction plans.

Mrs W, as she's named in the report by Angela Main Thompson OBE, made a complaint after she was denied interested person status when objecting to proposals for a new construction on land opposite her home.

While the Tynwald Commissioner ultimately rejected the complaint, she did express concerns at the lack of guidance the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture gives to those not familiar with the planning system.

Ms Main Thompson found those who register an objection to a planning application aren't told whether it will be determined by the planning committee, and if it is going before the committee they're not informed when it's due to meet.

In her report, she wrote more needs to be done to increase understanding of the difference between planning and building control, adding that communication needs to be improved and more targeted to the reader.

When the investigation started in 2018, Ms Main Thompson said she was concerned by the lack of guidance on a single simple website, but says that this has improved over the years.

But, she also expressed concerns that there is too much reliance on members of the public having to access the planning website for more information.

Despite making recommendations for improvement, the commissioner stated these issues do not constitute maladministration by DEFA.

The report will be laid before Tynwald later this month.