Manx National Heritage (MNH) has withdrawn the plans for a new visitor hub at Laxey Wheel, that were described by one historian as like a ‘Plastic Portakabin’.
Charles Guard, who is a renowned historian and film maker, produced a short reel on the proposals by MNH to replace the ticket kiosk at the Wheel, with a modern welcome centre, ticket office and toilet block.
Mr Guard said this is “Excellent news… Please spread the word to protect our Island’s heritage”.
Container in a car park
In his seven minute presentation, the historian describes the proposal as ‘dreadful’ and goes to to compare it with a ‘plastic Portakabin’ and ‘a container in a car park’.
He goes on to talk about the proposed colour being midnight blue and then saying that ‘midnight would probably be the best time to view it’.
The video (below) went viral on social media and the proposals were met with objection from many members of the public as well as the local authority.
The design and quality of the structure was not “appropriate” for a site of “cultural importance.”
Garff Commissioner
But now, Manx National Heritage have withdrawn the plans after planning officers also raised concerns about the design of the proposals stating that they were unlikely to receive support.
Withdrawn
The Head of Properties for MNH Steve Blackford, has written to the planning authority to formally withdraw the plans.
Mr Blackford said, “After further consideration we believe that we can effect a number of changes to the proposed scheme which will address the key issues of siting and perception of mass to reduce the impact on the approach and setting of the wheel.
“Please can I request that this application and application 23/01322/CON are withdrawn and a new application will follow in due course.”
The planning officer from DEFA Vanessa Porter, had indicated the plans may not get passed, stating she had “concerns regarding the application, which would mean that my recommendation would not be favourable”.
Ms Porter’s comments also said that the application needed to take into account the character of the surrounding area.
The proposal fails to respect the historic importance of the Laxey Wheel, by introducing a larger massing, of a modern design which is not in keeping with the Conservation Area as a whole, or the site itself.
Vanessa Porter, Planning Officer, DEFA
“With the location of the proposal and how close the proposal is to the Laxey Wheel, it would have significant harm to the structure.
“As such it is deemed by its siting, massing and modern form/ materials that it would significantly harm the main principle viewpoints of the Laxey Wheel which is from the main approach of the car park.”
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