Feedback is being sought on proposals that will shape the future of strategic planning and development in the north and west of the island.

A public consultation has been launched, representing the first formal stage in producing a new area plan.

The Area Plan for the North and West is the local implementation of the policies and vision set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.

Subject to Tynwald approval, it will replace the existing development plans currently in place for Ramsey (1998), Peel (1989), Kirk Michael (1994), Sulby (1999), St John’s (1999), Foxdale (1999), as well as the remaining parts of the 1982 Plan which covers much of the countryside between the above settlements.

The government says the plan ’represents a vital piece of the new generation of area plans, which first began with the approval of the Area Plan for the South in 2013 and the Area Plan for the East in 2020.’

The current stage, which is referred to as ’Preliminary Publicity’, invites all those interested to comment on the matters which the area plan aims to consider.

With consultation documents and accompanying maps providing baseline information, responses will guide the preparation of the draft plan.

This includes aiding decision making on where, when, and how land is allocated, reflecting both existing land uses and land proposed for development.

In 2020 a ’call for sites’ took place, where all interested persons/groups were invited to propose sites to consider for future development or specific designations - government said that these sites form ’a core part’ of this preliminary publicity stage.

The consultation is available until June 25 at consult.gov.im.