The next stage in the formulation of the eastern area plan has been pushed back until the summer.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK says a public inquiry into the draft document, which zones land for development in the most populated area of the island, won’t begin until after TT week.

The delay has been caused by difficulties in attracting an off-island inspector to hold the inquiry, staffing issues and the number of responses to the draft plan so far.

The inquiry gives the public another chance to make comments on what planners have proposed for sites in Douglas, Onchan, Braddan, Marown, Santon, Laxey and Lonan.

Issues such as the zoning for development of a greenbelt in the Strang, the accuracy of housing need figures and a desire to rejuvenate brownfield sites were all raised in a consultation held last year.