Environmental causes need equal footing
A charity says restrictions placed on interested party status may stifle its ability to 'stand up' for the Manx environment and appeal planning decisions.
The Department of Environment Food and Agriculture introduced changes to who qualifies as 'interested parties', restricting the right to appeal to those living within 20 meters of proposed developments.
Certain bodies such as local authorities and Manx National Heritage retain this right, but it hasn't been extended to the Manx Wildlife Trust, the largest conservation charity on the Island
Chief officer of the MWT Tim Graham, says the environment should be given the same footing as heritage, and he's worried about the charity's loss of the right to appeal.
He says it's essential an independent voice continues to champion environmental causes in planning, particularly where government interests are involved.
Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne asked Mr Graham whether the Trust was concerned about losing its appeal rights:
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