Port Erin Commissioners consider all planning applications submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning Section that are relevant to the Village District of Port Erin. The Commissioners do not have the powers to approve or refuse planning applications. They are, however, classed as an 'Interested party' and as such have extended powers to participate in the planning process. The planning applications are presented to the Board of Commissioners for their determination and recommendations for approval or refusal, along with any conditions that are deemed appropriate to be imposed on the proposals, are forwarded to the Department. Due to the deadline for submission to the Department, and the fall of the Board meetings, it is not always possible for public comments to be included in the presentation, and therefore Members may not always be aware of individual concerns. Port Erin Commissioners will consider the proposals in a planning application primarily against the Island Strategic Plan and the Local Plan. Both these documents specify planning policies to control development, such as land use and zoning. Consideration is also given to representations made by consultees, (which may include other Government Departments, statutory bodies, interest groups and other local authorities) along with any private representations from members of the public. The Board will measure all these matters against the merits of the proposal. Their findings and recommendations are then presented in a formal submission to the Planning Authority. As an 'Interested party' to planning applications the Commissioners are afforded the right to appeal planning decisions which are special to the Isle of Man planning process. Appeals may be submitted against a decision of the Planning Committee within the timescale allowed for which the Commissioners have to remit a fee of £150 to validate any appeal. Once a decision on a planning application has been made it will not become final until the period in which appeal may be lodged (21 days) has expired. Port Erin Commissioners have the same consultation period as the general public and must therefore make their submission within 21 days. Planning Applications We receive many enquiries about the process for obtaining and objecting to planning applications. To aid your understanding we would like to offer the following information:- Planning Permission - Allowing or declining formal planning permission is a function of the Planning Section of the Department of Infrastructure (not Port Erin Commissioners) - Port Erin Commissioners will receive a copy of all planning applications relevant to the Port Erin Village District and seek to notify relevant neighbours where possible. Advertising - All planning applications are advertised by the Department of Infrastructure on its website and a notice should be displayed on the site. Viewing Plans Anyone wishing to view the proposals can do so by either:- - Attending the Department of Infrastructure Offices, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas; or - Viewing the application online; or - Attending the Port Erin Commissioners Offices, 12 Bridson Street, Port Erin. Comments/Objections - All comments/objections MUST be sent to the Department of Infrastructure within 21 days for them to be registered, however the Department will accept comments at any point prior to a decision being made. - If you wish, you can copy the Port Erin Commissioners in on any submission made. For further information, please see: Planning Control |