More brownfield sites developed in east and north
Government figures suggest just over a third of planning approvals for new housing on the Island were on greenfield sites, across a ten year period.
From 2007 to 2017, 876 of the 2,528 approvals came under the category - equating to 34 per cent.
That means the remaining 1,652 approvals were either on brownfield sites, or conversions of existing buildings.
Results of a recent consultation show a clear desire among the public for action to be taken on sites that detract from the appearance and viability of town centres.
Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas commented: "there's a perception most new houses are built on greenfield sites", and he indicated the statistics could be a surprise for some.
Particularly in the east and north of the Island though, unoccupied urban sites appear to have been developed instead of rural alternatives, with brownfield sites accounting for 44% of approvals Island-wide.
Minister Thomas also used the example of the Farmers Arms site in St John's, which has taken a temporary new function as a public garden before permanent redevelopment begins.
A select committee was appointed in April to investigate the options available to encourage and prioritise the development of unoccupied or previously developed urban sites, ahead of building on green fields in the Manx countryside.
It's scheduled to report its findings and recommendations this month.
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