A public meeting about what might be developed in the east of the island is to be held later this month.

The Positive Action Group is to host a presentation by Diane Brown, the head of planning policy in the Isle of Man, after the publication of the strategic plan for the area, which encompasses Douglas, Onchan, Braddan, Lonan, Laxey, Marown and Santon.

It identified the need for 5,100 moreh omes over the period 2011 to 2016 of which 2,440 were allocated to the east. Some have already been built with other suitable sites being submitted by landowners, builders, developers and government, to be considered for residential, employment, mixed use, community or open spaces.

The next stage is to inform and consult the public where those pockets of land are.

Mrs Brown will explain the process by which the area plan for the east will be finalised. This is targeted for the end of 2019.

A spokesperson for PAG said: ’There are 222 sites which have been put forward for zoning for various uses; some within existing towns and settlements and many outside of these defined settlements. It is important that the general public are involved right from the start in the process.

’We have invited all local authority commissioners, Douglas councillors and the MHKs for the areas covered to attend the meeting. It is particularly important that residents also turn up, but as it affects us all to some degree.

’Don’t be the person who says, after the event "I wish I’d known!"

’Of particular significance is land classification and re-classification. Do you know how it might affect your property or your business? Do you know for example what "white land" is?’

The event will take place at 7.30pm at the Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas, on Monday, March 27.

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