Government wants views on plan for the East

After more than five years, the government says it's tearing up a development plan for the east of the Island and starting again.

Preliminary work began on an Eastern plan in 2012, but now a new document is to be prepared outlining what land will be used for in the future.

The Cabinet Office has published a set of consultation documents as the process begins, and is asking for people's views.

But the government says the new proposals won't be based on previous local plans for Douglas, Onchan and Braddan, the area plan for Laxey and Lonan and a 1982 plan covering Santon and Marown.

The government says the new plan will be a written statement with proposals for developing land in the east, and a number of supporting maps.

They'll cover Douglas, Onchan, Braddan, Laxey, Lonan, Marown and Santon and will look at what land is needed for housing, industry, business, and infrastructure.

But the government says preparing the plan is in its earliest stage, and it's asking anyone with an interest to comment on what the plan will deal with. 

All views need to be sent to the Cabinet Office by 5pm on Friday, April 21.