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Story by Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne

The policy and reform minister says there are issues with government policies on tax and affordable housing, which impact the development of brownfield sites.

 

He’s been speaking ahead of Tynwald tomorrow (10 Dec), where a Cabinet Office report will be received, outlining what’s being done to tackle the issue of unoccupied urban areas.

 

It’s the second update provided by minister Chris Thomas, to a number of recommendations which were approved by the Manx parliament last year.

 

Here’s what’s new in the December report:

 

Cabinet Office has produced a ‘scoping report’ on a proposed new register of brownfield sites, which will be complimented with existing data.

 

Secondary legislation to increase permitted development in town centres is aimed at providing greater flexibility of use. If approved by Tynwald, it will come into force next year.

 

An officer review of different options to deliver centralised property control is underway.

 

The Department for Enterprise has published a report by PWC on the prospect of a ‘development agency’. Cabinet Office will now speak to Treasury about what resources are needed to take this model forward.

 

A working group has been established to research and develop a community infrastructure levy.

 

A promotional campaign has been launched to attract high net-worth individuals (HNWI).

 

Some of what’s planned to tackle the issue is contained within the draft Eastern Area Plan, such as the use of ‘comprehensive treatment areas’.

 

You can view the full report online on the Tynwald order paper.

 

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