Re-development of site as a marine recreational facility comprising berths for small boats, hotel, restaurant, shop and managers apartment

Development should make the best use of resources

optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under-used land and buildings

Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1

Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted

where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests

Strategic Policy 8: Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and man - made attractions. 4.4.5 This policy reflects the general restriction on new development outside defined development zones. Tourist proposals in the countryside will normally be required to meet the above criteria. 4.4.6 Viable and vibrant town and village centres not only provide the opportunity for economic success, but also provide convenient and accessible amenities for all members of the community and an opportunity to obtain renewal of some of our poorer built fabric. Accordingly:

Development which is in accordance with the land use zoning

General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development

Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development

General Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); (c) previously developed land (1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage. 6.4 Planning Agreements 6.4.1 Where development is acceptable and in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the relevant Area Plan, but raises issues which cannot be addressed by the imposition of planning conditions, the Department will seek to conclude an Agreement with the developer under Section 13 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act.

The countryside and its ecology will be protected

Development which would adversely affect the countryside will not be permitted

Area Plan for the East sets out locally-applicable means for implementing the policies set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016. In that Strategic Plan, we find the Environment Policies. Environment Policy 1 states: The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake. For the purposes of this policy, the countryside comprises all land which is outside the settlements defined in Appendix 3 at A.3.6 or which is not designated for future development on an Area Plan. Development which would adversely affect the countryside will not be permitted unless there is an over- riding national need in land use planning terms which outweighs the requirement to protect these areas and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative. Maintaining the purpose of this Area Plan as a means of implementation, there is some further direction to be found in the Strategic Plan, at paragraph 7.2.1: 'Whilst landscape and coastal change is inevitable, and in some cases desirable, the emphasis must be on the appropriateness of this change and the balance or equity between the needs of conservation and those of development. The primary goal must therefore be to respect, maintain and enhance the natural and cultural environment including nature conservation and landscape and coastal quality, and ensure its protection from inappropriate development.' Given the comprehensive nature of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan's Environmental Policies, only a small number of additional Proposals and Recommendations are necessary. In order to produce an implementable Area Plan for the East it is necessary to recognise those statutory desig nations and strategies which whilst having an Island-wide scope are highly relevant to the protection of environments within the Plan Area. An example is the UNESCO Biosphere status afforded to the Isle of Man. Island-level strategies identify crossborder issues and take account of the cumulative impacts of human engagement with nature. Area Plan Objectives i. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural and cultural environment of the plan area and promote biodiversity. ii. To improve the function, usability and provision of our green infrastructure and public spaces by providing a network of green spaces and features which are connected and where possible, accessible to the public. iii. To manage and improve flood risk and improve drainage conditions. iv. To support the working countryside and its custodians in maintaini ng a sustainable rural economy. Area Plan Desired Outcomes i. Where approved, d evelopment will be ecologically sustainable and designed to protect and where possible enhance biodiversity as well as mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. ii. The Green Infrastructure network will be established and fostered, connecting people with nature in a way that achieves the best shared outcomes for the urban and natural environment. iii. Statutory and non-statutory designations will continue to provide protection to the most important and most vulnerable cultural assets, habitats and environments in the plan area. iv. Beyond the towns and villages, the area as a whole will retain its landscape setting including its important visual interaction with the central uplands, central valley, coast and marine environment. Natural Environment Proposal 1 The Department supports the protection, creation and improvement of green infrastructure in the East, particularly in those locations which have the potential to be part of a Green Infrastructure Network. Applications for development must take into account any approved Government Green Infrastructure Strategies, but in any case, must identify how development proposals intend to contribute to the long term provision of a network of connected green spaces. UNESCO Biosphere In 2017, the Isle of Man became the first ever entire nation to achieve UNESCO Biosphere status. Project partners pledge to take steps to protect natural resources, develop the economy in a sustainable way and promote outstanding living landscapes. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are established to connect people and the economy with nature, wildlife, culture, heritage and communities. Biosphere Reserves have three functions: Conservation: to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. Development: to foster economic and human development which is socio -culturally and ecologically sustainable. Logistic support: to support demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development. The Isle of Man Biosphere is zoned into six areas . Examples of all of these can be found in the Eastern area: Terrestrial Core areas, Marine Core areas, Terrestrial Buffer zone, Marine Buffer zone, Terrestrial Transition areas and Marine Transition areas. There is some overlap with The Isle of Man's First Biodiversity Strategy 2015-20

Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment

Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.

The Department will seek to enhance the natural environment

Environment Policy 27: The Department will seek to enhance the natural environment, including sites contaminated by former mine workings, along with other Government Departments, local communities, the private sector and all appropriate agencies in order to ensure the appropriate reclamation, water management, planting of appropriate tree species, the management of special habitats including aquatic habitats and the removal of eyesores. 7.22 Unstable Land 7.22.1 The policy set out below aims to safeguard life and property from ground instability such as landslips and subsidence. Therefore, unless mitigating measures can be taken, development will not be permitted where it would be at risk from unstable land or increase the risk of ground instability elsewhere. 7.22.2 It may be necessary for a developer to undertake a specialist investigation and assessment to identify any remedial measures required to deal with ground instability. It may also be appropriate to carry out monitoring after the development has taken place. Ultimat ely it is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that land is safe and suitable for development. Whilst the Department will try to ensure that a development will not be put at unacceptable risk, the subsequent liability for safe development and sec ure occupancy of a site rests with the developer and / or landowner.

The Department will generally support proposals which seek to regenerate run-down urban and rural areas

reuse of sound built fabric rather than its demolition

the continued regeneration within Douglas, particularly around the Promenades and Quayside and Douglas Regeneration Area to create further housing, employment, retail and leisure opportunities. Environment Policy 43 of the Strategic Plan recognises that there are some areas showing signs of deterioration and degradation, limited investment, empty and underused buildings, derelict sites and generally poor environments. It suggests that areas that could benefit from regeneration should be identified in Area Plans and any schemes or proposals whether for refurbishment, environmental improvements or complete redevelopment must be formulated by involving the local community which would be directly affected by the regeneration of the area. Re-use of sound built fabric, rather than its demolition will be encouraged. Comprehensive Treatment Area Objectives The objectives are to: i. Optimise use of land and buildings; ii. Unlock difficult sites; iii. Assist with a co-ordinated approach to development; iv. Improve the urban environment and visual amenity; v. Encourage further investment; vi. Provide for space for Douglas Town Centre to grow; and vii. Improve access and provide better linkages. Area Plan Desired Outcomes The outcomes for each identified 'treatment area' will be tied to the proposed mix of uses on each site. The desired outcomes can be summarised under the following headings - many of which are interlinked: i. Urban Design and Integration a. To provide urban design outcomes which recognise the history of each area, their relationships to neighbouring land uses and features and takes into account appropriate transition from one land use to the next. ii. Infrastructure a. General/grey - to ensure that development staging is co-ordinated with the delivery of infrastructure and to create a road network that is permeable. b. Green - to e stablish appropriate public open space assets that are visually and physically linked via the local road network and associated pedestrian and cycling trails and waterways. To protect character in terms of landscape quality and nature conservation value with settlement boundaries. iii. Uses a. Provision of retail, community services, leisure without compromising the function and role of nearby activity centres, and which facilitates efficient and direct pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle movement. iv. Making a positive contribution a. To create an attractive urban environment that features tree -lined streets and attractive open spaces with high-amenity landscaping. v. Making the best use of resources a. Areas have been chosen because of their ability to complement existing town centres uses, and to take advantage of the roads and service infrastructure already in-place. b. To ensure balance between water quality, biodiversity, recreation and visual amenity while optimising developable land within settlement limits. vi. A more integrated transport network a. Provide realistic and workable alternatives to the use of private vehicles through the creation of direct links for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users to town centre and retail areas, to schools, leisure facilities and other community assets. Key features of Comprehensive Treatment Areas in the East The proposals set out in this Plan: • Identify four CTAs in Douglas and one in Onchan; • Have a strong treatment focus on delivering quality urban environments, with a complementary mix of land uses and clear underlying visioning; • Translate to mapped areas without defined edges; • Describe the treatment which is proposed; and • Intend the period, within which that treatment is to begin , as being within 5 years beginning with the date on which the Plan is adopted. Proposed Comprehensive Treatment Areas in the East Comprehensive Treatment Area 1 - The Villiers (area is shown on Map 5) Despite planning approval for a variety of uses having been granted, much of the site remains undeveloped and has done for some time. The site has a negative effect on this prominent area of Douglas and impacts on the appearance of the Promenade as a whole. The area fronting the Promenade should either be developed or its appearance improved by creating an attractive public space. Re -development of the wider area would not be discounted, although where existing buildings are attractive and have a sound fabric, they should be incorporated into any wider scheme. The Central Douglas Masterplan suggests there is opportunity to support the intensification of the high street through the removal of some buildings on Duke Street. The Villiers site CTA is also a strategic freight corridor and maintaining access for commercial vehicles, including HGV's, must be considered in any proposed development. CTA Proposal 1 - The Villiers (Treatment Plan) Development of this area shall include office, leisure, retail, hotel, residential, entertainment venues, food and d rink uses and public open space or a combination thereof; or the laying out of

The growth of employment opportunities throughout the Island will be encouraged

provided that development proposals accord with the policies of this Plan

Business Policy 1: The growth of employment opportunities throughout the Island will be encouraged provided that development proposals accord with the policies of this Plan. 9.1.3 This chapter concent rates on the land use implications of business activity, including industry, storage and distribution, office and commercial development, retailing and tourism. 9.1.4 In respect of employment land availability, the Department has undertaken and published an Employment Land Availability Study (1). A summary of this is included in Appendix 9. Across the Island there are some 118 hectares of land allocated for industrial development. Much of this is concentrated around Ballasalla and the Airport. There is, however, a spread of land available across the Island to support employment and regeneration opportunities in each area. Such land will be important to support the regeneration of the Service Centres and the Gateway and Employment role of the Airport area. 9.1.5 The Douglas area has seen by far the bulk of the industrial land take up in recent decades and much of the land allocated for such purposes has been taken up. This is why the Department has resolved to proceed with a Development Order for the development of some 20 hectares of employment land to the south of Cooil Road. A recent report on the take up of industrial land in the Douglas area indicates that it has been faster than anticipated and at current rates that all the land will be required by 2015. While the situation will be subject to detailed assessment in the preparation of the Plan for the East, the Department is satisfied that the release of additional land is both necessary and appropriate at this stage. 9.1.6 The Department has also reviewed planning permissions for office development. The majority of these are focused in the Douglas area. Take up has been low in recent years with the exception of certain relocations to corporate headquarters, such as Skandia. There are a number o f sites still available for new office development, in addition to the existing stock. Of note is the recent trend for sites with office consents to subsequently secure planning permission for residential use. The most notable example being the final pha se of the Villiers development, which now has a residential permission in addition to its partly - implemented office consent. 9.1.7 The following information has been extracted from the Review of Economic Strategy (Treasury 2003) which formed part of the background to the Economic Strategy 2004 approved by Tynwald in October that year. (1) Employment Land Availability Study DLGE 2007 9.1.8 The Isle of Man has enjoyed unprecedented economic success in the last ten years. Over this period annual gross domestic product, or GDP (the value of the economy' s output of all goods and services), has more than doubled in real terms (both absolute and per capita) such that from a deficit of around one quarter, per capita GDP in the Isle of Man now exceeds that of the UK by 7% and the average for the European Union (EU 15) by 10%. 9.1.9 The period 1993 - 2000 saw the economy not only expanding but doing so at an accelerating rate, before slowing in 2000/01. Since 2001 the economy has continued to grow at around 5% per annum (the latest national income accounts revealed growth of 5.9% in 2002/03), meaning that, after the recession in the early 1980's the Isle of Man economy has recorded economic growth in each of the last twenty years. 9.1.10 This economic performance has been led by the financial and related se rvices sectors. The finance industry grew by over 80% between 1996 and 2001 alone. But the table below illustrates that probably all areas of Manx economy are today generating more income in real terms than a decade ago, even it the relative importance o f some, most noticeably manufacturing, has declined. Table One - Sectoral Contributions to National Income 1992/93 v 2000/01 (at 2000/01 prices) Contributions to National Income (£) Real Increase in income generated (%) 1992/93 % 2000/01 % Manufacturing 72.0 11 76.7 6 6.5 Finance 229.7 35 505.4 41 120.0 Tourism 41.0 6 67.7 6 65.1 Agriculture/Fishing 11.7 2 15.8 1 35.0 Construction 46.7 7 89.6 7 91.9 Professional Services 96.7 15 186.1 15 92.4 Utilities, Distribution and Miscellaneous Services 133.1 20 223.8 18 68.1 Pubic Administration 34.6 5 53.6 4 54.9 Total 665.5 100 1,218.7 100 83.1 9.1.11 National income data aside, the clearest indication of the economic success enjoyed by the Island in recent times comes from the labour market. Census results show that the workforce increased from 33,189 in 1991 to 39,685 by 2001, an increase almost identical to that in the total resident population over the period. But the number seeking emp loyment but who were unemployed at the time halved from 1,360 to 635. 9.1.12 Changes in the underlying structure of the economy reflected in the national income accounts are further depicted in the Census statistics below showing the distribution of labour between the different sectors of the economy. Table Two - Employment by Sector 1991 v 1996 1991 1996 2001 No. % No. % No. % Agriculture and Fishing 1,240 3.9 938 2.8 543 1.4 Manufacturing 3,348 10.5 3,562 10.6 3,185 8.2 Construction 3,404 10.7 3,372 10.0 2,512 6.4 Utilities1 513 1.6 462 1.4 515 1.3 Transport and Communications 2,437 7.7 2,688 8.0 2,970 7.6 Wholesaling and Retailing 3,844 12.1 3,692 11.0 4,372 11.2 Finance 4,353 13.7 5,942 17.7 8,959 22.9 ICT2 n.a n.a n.a n.a 361 0.9 Professional Services 5,438 17.1 6,081 18.1 7,296 18.7 Tourist Accommodation 856 2.7 765 2.3 743 1.9 Entertainment and Catering 1,403 4.4 1,156 3.4 2,116 5.4 Miscellaneous Services 2,849 9.0 2,768 8.2 2,373 6.1 Public Administration 2,144 6.7 2,146 6.4 3,105 8.0 Total 31,829 100.0 33,5773 100.0 39,050 100.0 Notes: 1 Electricity, gas and water 2 Not separated out from other sectors until 2001 3 Includes 5 where occupation not recorded 9.2 Industry and Storage and Distribution 9.2.1 The nature of industrial activity on the Island changed very considerably during the last century. The previously dominant primary industries of fishing and agriculture now contribute only 1% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide only 1.4% of our total employment, whereas manufacturing contributes 6% to the GDP and provides 8.2% of our employment, and the construction industry contributes 6% to the GDP and provides 6.4% of our employment. Storage and distribution has also become a more important activity, particularly in terms of the demands it makes on land, buildings, and access requirements. 9.2.2 Most of the Island's industry is located close to major transportation links, particularly in the case of Douglas, Braddan and Ballasalla, which all have convenient access to Ronaldsway airport and Douglas harbour. Ramsey and Peel harbours are used for the importation and exportation of large scale good s (fuel, building supplies etc). All of these are conveniently accessible to significant pools of labour. In order to minimise excessive transportation of goods and travel for employees, and to promote sustainable development, much of the Island's future industrial development should continue to be concentrated in these locations, and appropriate areas of land should be made available for such uses in the Area Plans for these parts of the Island. It will also be appropriate, when formulating Area Plans for our smaller settlements, to make provision for the continued operation of small -scale family businesses, particu

In new Area Plans the Department will seek to identify buildings and sites which are redundant for tourist use

propose new uses therefor

Business Policy 15: In new Area Plans, the Department will seek to identify buildings and sites which are redundant for tourist use, and will propose new uses therefor. CHAPTER 10 SPORT, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES CONTENTS 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Sport and Recreation 10.3 Open Space 10.4 General Leisure 10.5 Civic and Community Facilities 10.6 Neighbourhood Centres 10.7 Community Centres 10.8 Retention of Existing Local Shops and Public Houses 10.9 Hospitals 10.10 School Sites 10.11 Community Health Care Facilities 10.12 Police Service 10.13 Fire Service CHAPTER 10 SPORT, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 The quality of life on the Island and the quality of our environment are improved by attractive open space and by facilities for recreation and other community purposes. This chapter sets out policies which combine to form a land-use planning framework for the provision, protection and enhancement of such space and facilities. 10.2 Sport and Recreation 10.2.1 The Sport and Recreation Strategy 2002-2012 - "Planning for Sport" sets out a vision for the continued development and growth of sport on the Island and the benefits that this will bring. The Island is fortunate in that over the recent years a network of sporting facilities has been provided across the Island. The Sport and Recreation Strategy envisages improving on these both in terms of sport development and, as appropriate, new facilities. 10.3 Open Space 10.3.1 The presence and use of various forms of Open Space in towns and villages on the Island form an integral par t of the fabric of community life. Open Space takes various forms and serves many purposes. It ranges from formally laid parks to the wide and extensive public footpath network including Raad Ny Foillan and Millennium Way. 10.3.2 Open Space forms part of our heritage as well as being an attractive and usable asset, and, in the wider context, provides visual and spiritual relief from the developed urban settlements on the Island. In addition, it provides recreational enjoyment in respect of various active and some less active forms of sporting activity. Open Spaces also provide a means of improving the health and fitness of the Island's population. Open Space is defined in this context as land used for recreational purposes, both formal and informal, inclu ding amenity space whether privately or publicly owned. 10.3.3 The Strategic Plan needs to facilitate sport and recreation opportunities and to ensure that areas of open space are retained, and provided to meet local needs. The Strategic Plan will facilitate this by a three pronged approach: a) protecting existing assets; b) making good deficiencies in existing provision; and c) providing adequate provision within new development. In pursuing these three objectives, it is recognised th at developers will not be expected to make good existing deficiencies in recreational facilities as a requirement of carrying out their developments. 10.3.4 To ensure that suitable provision is made for sport and recreation development across the Island it is proposed that Area Plans should incorporate an assessment of sport and recreation need and provisions. This should include, where appropriate water -based sport and recreation. Such assessments should recognise that sport and recreation facilities may benefit local communities across defined Area Plan boundaries.

parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards

Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.

Any proposed schemes likely to impact upon the ecology and/or archaeology of a harbour

should be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment

Transport Policy 14: Any proposed schemes likely to impact upon the ecology and/or archaeology of a harbour or the nearby coastline should be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment. 11.8 Drainage 11.8.1 All new development must be capable of being drained of foul and surface water in a safe, convenient, and environmentally acceptable manner. The Department of Transport Drainage Division is the All-Island Drainage Authority and assumes responsibility for all of the Island's public sewers and treatment works, with a number of local authorities acting as Agents within their particular town, village, or parish. As well as maintaining and improving existing infrastructure, the Drainage Division inspects the proposed drainage plans for new development in order to ensure that the completed works are in accordance with the flow and treatment capacity of the system into which they will link and are, where appropriate, of an adoptable standard. 11.8.2 The Drainage Division should be consulted rega rding the potential requirement for attenuation of surface water flows. The Drainage Division has responsibilities under the Land Drainage Act 1934 for Main Rivers, watercourses and ditches. The Division must be consulted in relation to any work affecting a watercourse. 11.8.3 Implementation of the IRIS Masterplan - Integration and Recycling of the Island's Sewage - is well under way and when operational will allow the sewage from local networks to be transmitted to the central treatment site at Meary V eg before being discharged as environmentally acceptable effluent. This will result in the discontinuation of inland treatment works and sea outfalls and reduce the need for private treatment works and septic tanks, and as such the Department of Transport Drainage Division recommends that resources are not spent now on sewage treatment facilities which will be de -commissioned once IRIS is in operation - the Division will itself direct resources to IRIS as a priority. Details of the IRIS system are included in the Department of Transport Drainage Division Policy. The Sewage Treatment Works at Meary Veg is now operational, and further phases of the overall scheme are currently subject to review. 11.8.4 It is recognised however that development will be required in the period before IRIS is fully operational, and therefore interim measures such as individual treatment works may be appropriate if a suitable watercourse is available to accept the discharge from the system and the development will result in an appropria te number of dwellings being connected to the works. In areas which are beyond the final extent of IRIS - in general it will connect those areas currently served by mains drainage - development is likely to be limited in order to reduce reliance upon indiv idual septic tanks. The discharge standards for stand -alone treatment works will vary and must be discussed with the Environmental Protection Unit of DLGE (not the Drainage Division), taking into account the Water Pollution Act. Sustainable urban drainage systems should be discussed with the Drainage Division in advance of any detailed planning application being submitted. An adoption agreement must be entered into with the relevant local authority for the long term maintenance of these facilities prior to obtaining planning approval. 11.8.5 Developers are encouraged to consult the Drainage Division regarding capacity within the existing sewerage system prior to submitting planning application. Drainage master plans are required for large scale developments. 11.8.6 The Drainage Division should be consulted in relation to any new industrial development since this will require a Trade Effluent Discharge Consent to be issued to comply with the Sewerage Act 1999. The Division will also advise where there are capacity constraints within the existing sewerage system that would restrict industrial development to "Dry Industrial" i.e. domestic sewerage flows only. 11.8.7 Sewers which are required to be adopted by the Department of Transport must comply with Manx Sewers for Adoption. Infrastructure Policy 1: With the exception of individual plots or very small -scale schemes (equivalent in scale to an individual plot), development shall only take place in areas which will ultimately be connected to the IRIS system. Infrastructure Policy 2: Full details of all interim drainage arrangements for development in areas awaiting connection to IRIS shall be submitted to and approved by the Department of Local Government and the Environment before development is commenced. 11.8.8 Development may in the future be proposed for sites which are known to have flooded in the past, usually by virtue of raised river or sea levels and beca use of inadequate drainage systems. The development of sites which may flood can lead to problems not only for the new development itself, but also for adjacent land and property as a result of alterations to surface water drains and increased run-off from new hard surfaces. Environmental Policy 10 relates to development on sites with a potential risk of flooding. Guidance on the preparation of flood risk assessments is included in Appendix 4. 11.9 Communications 11.9.1 The Communications Commission has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting on the Isle of Man and for keeping a watching brief on broadcasting to the Island. The Department of Home Affairs Communication Division has the responsibility for the provision management and maintenance of the Government's radio systems including those used by the Emergency Services. 11.9.2 The maintenance and improvement of these systems is likely to require the provision of new infrastructure; infrastructure required by private telecommunications operators is likely to be more extensive. It is important that a balance be struck between the need for new, evolving communications systems to satisfy residential and business demand and the impact that the necessary infrastructure will have upon the environment. New communications development should be in accordance with the provisions of this plan. 11.9.3 A Committee which includes representations from all interested parties has been established to co-ordinate the use and development of communication masts and infrastructure. The Government Plan 2004/7 includes a proposal to increase mast sharing by operators. Infrastructure Policy 3: A balance must be struck between the need for new, evolving communications systems to satisfy residential and business demand and the impact that the necessary infrastructure will have upon the environment. Measures which may help to achieve a satisfactory balance will include a presumption against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, the encouragement of mast sharing by different operators, and the removal of redundant infrastructure. Exceptions to this policy would need to demonstrate a strategic national need, which cannot be otherwise secured by mast sharing or alternative locations. 11.10 Water Supply and Water Conservation 11.10.1 The Strategic Objectives stress the need to protect and re-use scarce resources. In an Island community this should extend to protecting the quality and quantity of all waters including marine water s, surface water and groundwater. The Environment Chapter outlines the importance of water to the creation and maintenance of the Island's landscape and ecology. Equally important is the provision of an adequate supply of drinking water and the infrastructure to deliver it. The Isle of Man Water Authority has a duty to provide a supply of wholesome water for the domestic purposes of all premises within the compulsory area of supply. Like most jurisdictions the