Plans for boundary extension in north reach pre-inquiry hearing

A bid to extend boundaries in the north of the Island got underway at a pre-inquiry hearing yesterday (2 October).  

Ramsey Commissioners believe the town needs to grow to encourage development – it wants to adjust the boundaries between Ramsey, Lezayre and Garff.  

It’s something which will be challenged by Lezayre and Garff Commissioners.  

The meeting, which set out the process that will be followed at a public enquiry, was attended by residents, commissioners and MHK’s Daphne Caine and Tim Johnston. 

A hot topic during the hearing was whether the Area Plan for the North and West should be considered as evidence.

Chair of the enquiry Peter Taylor said a planning officer will be at the formal hearing to explain what has been earmarked for development in the plan.

This was disputed by the advocate for Ramsey Commissioners who said the plan shouldn’t be taken as evidence because it hasn’t been published or approved by Tynwald.

Issues also arose around who would be able to speak at the public enquiry – those who do need ‘interested party status’.

Residents who live in either of the affected areas will be automatically granted this status but those who live outside the proposed boundary will need to explain why they should be allowed to speak.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper was at the meeting and says Ramsey Commissioners' Clerk Tim Cowin was impressed:

The formal hearing date will be announced in due course. 

Residents who want to speak at the public hearing must email their details to localgovernment@gov.im by 18 October.