'It's about sustainability' - policy and reform minister
The policy and reform minister has downplayed concerns about population size ahead of a Tynwald vote on the Eastern Area Plan.
If approved by the court at this month's sitting, it'll allow for around 900 new homes to be built in Braddan, Douglas, Onchan and neighbouring communities.
But some have questioned the population projections used to decide how much development needs to take place.
In 2011 the population was 84,497, and fell to 83,314 in 2016.
Cabinet Office population estimates requested by local demographer Paul Craine show it's currently 84,393.
He wants data from the 2021 census to be used in planning policy 'at the earliest opportunity'.
Policy and Reform Minister Ray Harmer gave this response to calls for the plan to be delayed until a new census is held next year:
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