PLANNING approval will no longer be needed for minor changes to residential properties.
Tynwald approved the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 last week.
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said: ‘The new order will make it easier and quicker for the public to undertake works which are generally considered as having no adverse impact and where the involvement of the planning system will add little to the quality or impact of the proposed development.’
He said it could result in the DoI receiving up to 300 fewer planning applications a year.
‘This would allow professional and administrative staffing resources to be focused on dealing with the more complex and controversial applications which demand a greater level of consideration and background information and the formulation of policy including the Strategic Plan and the various Area Plans.’
It applies to changes to properties outside conservation areas for developments such as garages, extensions, flag poles and replacement septic tanks.
It also introduces new provisions for solar panels, gas tanks, new windows and conversion of garages to living accommodation. Alex Downie MLC said he supported the policy changes but raised concerns about the impact of flag poles.
