The planning process sets out to strike a balance between an individual’s wishes for his property and the needs and wishes of the community as a whole. Apart from building and land use, regard is given to the protection of buildings and land that the community feels are important. This may be for historical reasons, such as a castle, public building, a distinguished house or group of houses such as terraces and squares that are important records of their times. It might well be for reasons of architectural quality or social importance. A whole area might be given a value, such as the conservation area, which in Peel covers a substantial part of the the old town.

Published planning rules are available from the planning department of the Department of Local Government and the Environment, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas. The Town Hall plays an important part in overseeing building controls. Not all Local Authorities take on this responsibility but we are fortunate, in Peel, in having this service on our doorsteps. The technical officer is very helpful in giving advice and has the responsibility for ensuring that new works meet current building regulations. Additionally, the planning department has its own enforcement officer to check that people are only doing what they have been given permission for and haven't built something twice the size or height!

Interested parties can ask for a review of planning decisions and can, if necessary, ask for an appeal to be heard by an independent inspector. The final decision rests with the appropriate Minister. Even then, if there is still unhappiness with a decision, people may present petitions at Tynwald, a right dating back to Viking times.

Given all of the above procedures, why are there sometimes dissatisfactions with the process and apparent inconsistencies in the applications of the rules to the apparent benefit of particular people or groups? This is where your MHK is important in probing the political process. Remember that government, both national and local, is run by fellow humans and is as vulnerable as any one of us. Checks and safeguards are built in and fresh air can be blown in by press and radio. For the most part, we are well served and the Planning Department and Town Hall staffs are first class and always pleased to help.

Conservation area

An area of the old town of Peel has been designated as a CONSERVATION AREA.

The boundaries are:
Shore Road, including Marine Parade, Walpole Road, Church Street, around the Police Station and Cathedral, Lyndale Avenue, Tynwald Road, St German's Place, back of Douglas Street behind Boilley Spittal, Patrick Street, including Heathfield House and to the end of Glenfaba Road, down the back of houses on Station Road, all of the old railway site and all of East Quay.