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'It's quite technical' says minister on planning consultation

Changes require secondary legislation

The Cabinet Office is consulting on changes to the law, to enable a series of planning reforms to be brought forward.

A new bill laying out national planning policy directives (NPD) has already been supported by Tynwald, but secondary legislation is now needed.

The directives can be introduced by the council of ministers, with Tynwald approval, to ensure planning policy can be changed quickly when necessary, to 'meet the Island's needs'.

Other measures included are an order to simplify making minor amendments to planning applications, and a 'defined status' for the planning committee.

The survey is asking for views on a number of technical questions over how these proposals could be rolled out.

It's part of a wide-ranging effort by the Cabinet Office, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, to reform the planning system.

The consultation is available to complete online, and closes on 15 September, after which the responses will be 'reviewed' ahead of the introduction of draft law.

Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne asked Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas why should the public take an interest in this survey:

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