Rejecting North and West Area Plan 'the right decision', says IOM Green Party

In a written statement to Manx Radio, Andrew Langan-Newton said the evidence did not support the government’s proposals for new greenfield housing in the north and west of the Island.

He said Tynwald’s decision gives the government an opportunity to step back and reflect on wider policy for the whole Island, particularly in light of the high number of vacant properties and the need to prioritise brownfield development over greenfield, with a focus on regenerating town and village centres.

Mr Langan-Newton adds that, having heard the statements in Tynwald, the government could also reconsider its wider policy on introducing an infrastructure levy for large greenfield developments. 

Such a levy, he suggests, could be used to improve active travel links in urban areas.

He believes this might help offset additional pressure on the highway network and narrow the profitability gap between greenfield and brownfield development - steering investment away from greenfield sites and towards brownfield regeneration.

The party adds it would welcome a revised plan with a stronger emphasis on renewable energy, active travel, electric vehicles, and public transport links.