The surprise release of the area plan for the east has certainly raised some eyebrows.

Not expected until the new year, Michael Hurley’s report into the area plan for the east inquiry was dropped like an early Christmas present, only with very little fanfair, on Friday last week.

The 118-page document recommends how parts of the east of the island should be zoned, be it for development of houses or industrial units or as open space, for years to come.

The inquiry ran from September 10 to October 2 and Mr Hurley heard evidence from more than 70 organisations and individuals, as well as more than 50 written representations, covering more than 100 sites.

During the inquiry, some sites such as Camlork near Union Mills and Ballachrink in Onchan became keenly debated by developers and objectors who didn’t want to see green fields built on.

Mr Hurley also heard competing evidence regarding the island’s population, housing needs and vacant properties as well as flood plains, sewage capabilities and infrastructure capabilities.

In his concluding remarks, he said: ’I recognise that many people will be disappointed with the recommendations in this report.

’However, I have attempted to make provision for the amount of development required by the strategic plan, should the need for this be demonstrated by changing demographic circumstances.

’At the same time, I have attempted to limit the amount of "greenfield" land to be released for immediate development, so as to encourage the re-use of vacant and under-used, particularly in the urban area of Douglas.’

Concerns were outlined in the report about housing need and population figures, answers that the Cabinet Office will need to find before the report goes to Tynwald next year when members will have a black and white choice of rejecting or accepting the recommendations.

However, with a general election less than two years away, those who spoke at the inquiry and were ’disappointed’ by Mr Hurley’s recommendations, can still canvass their MHKs into rejecting the plan in its entirety.