A Tynwald motion to amend the island’s strategic plan has been delayed.

The motion from Bill Shimmins would have seen members recognise the need to amend the number of new houses that are needed laid down in the island’s Strategic Plan in light of a lower-than-expected population figure.

After Tynwald this month failed to back his or a series of amended versions, it will be put to MHKs and MLCs in October.

Mr Shimmins’ motion will also be delayed until the October sitting.

If he had been successful last week, that would have been the sitting that Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas would have been required to provide ‘the reasons for the change in the number of housing units required under the strategic plan’.

However, Mr Shimmins was not dispirited by this delay.

He told the Examiner: ‘I look forward to the October vote. I remain hopeful and will continue to speak with other Tynwald Members over the summer recess to seek their support for a sensible urgent review of the strategic plan housing allocation.’

During the near three-hour debate on his motion, Mr Shimmins said the area plan for the east ‘must be based on reality’ and as such required revised figures in the strategic plan.

This, he said, is because ‘growth hasn’t happened as envisaged’ and told members that the strategic plan needed amending to ‘regain the trust of people in the planning process’.

Mr Shimmins (picturted) also accused ministers of ‘lobbying very hard’ against his motion and warned if they bowed to that pressure more would come when the public inquiry into the area plan comes back to Tynwald, likely to be late this year or early next.

He added: ‘The pressure will be ratcheted up significantly. It will be suggested all sorts of bad things will happen if these plans are not accepted in their entirety and you will be accused of derailing something that is of national importance.

‘It will be too late when the area plans are presented to this honourable court. Please don’t leave it too late, the strategic plan needs amending now.’

Mr Shimmins appeared to have won significant support in the House of Keys and the Legislative Council, with backbench members of both chambers rising in to speak in support.