A number of changes designed to improve the island’s planning system have been introduced.

They affect anyone who wants to submit or comment on an application or appeal a decision.

January 1 saw the introduction of minor change applications, the need to submit flood risk assessments at the outset in flood zones, reasons for a valid appeal, fees for requesting an inquiry and the ability to submit applications electronically - which will be introduced after successful testing.

Amendments to the website provide guidance to applicants www.gov.im/planningapply.

The website has also been amended to provide more accessible guidance for people wishing to comment on bids.

A service which lets people sign up to receive notifications by email of new applications in their area is also now available.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot, under whose department planning falls, said: ’The changes have been introduced as part of the Programme for Government’s commitment to improve the planning system and are part of the action plan to reform the planning system’.

Two new ’permitted’ development orders have also been removed.

One relates to town centre uses and provides for additional flexibility.

The other amends the existing Telecoms Order providing greater clarity around the processing of telecoms development and requiring full applications for larger masts.