Surveying activity on a field in Onchan has prompted local MHK Rob Callister to try to reassure constituents that there is no immediate cause for concern.
The site, known as OH011 – Ballachrink, is a ten-hectare grazing field owned by Dandara Group Holdings Ltd, located north of Birch Hill Crescent and Maple Avenue.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Callister said: “My first message is to reassure Onchan residents: there is no need to worry at this very early stage.”
He confirmed that landowners cannot be prevented from accessing land to conduct surveys.
APE
Mr Callister referred to the 2019 independent inspector’s report on the Area Plan for the East, which designated the site as a Strategic Reserve.
The inspector stated that such a site’s release should be contingent on the Island’s resident population reaching at least 89,000. Current population estimates sit between 84,000 and 85,000.
However, the MHK noted this principle has been tested recently, with two strategic sites in Baldrine and Union Mills being released via the planning appeals process.
Addressing a potential conflict of interest, Mr Callister said: “Given my previous comments on this site in 2019, I would, of course, step down as Chair of the Planning Committee for this application.”
This would allow him to fully represent his constituents.
Mr Callister also said that before any planning application is submitted, both he and his colleague Julie Edge would call a public meeting to gauge local opinion and ensure historical concerns are addressed.
“At this moment in time the message is to try not to worry until a planning application has been submitted for consideration,” he added.