On Sunday (April 21) over 80 people attended a demonstration against the planning appeal submitted for the Poyll Dooey fields.
The appeal was submitted by the property owner and developer, Blythe Church Investments Ltd, for the Planning Application 22/00679/B.
The demonstration was organised by Lamara Craine, Leader of the Isle of Man Green Party and Ramsey Town Commissioner.
She says the planning application that ‘would see some of the 14,000 square metres of tree canopy destroyed by residential housing, industrial units and a public house’.
Poyll Dooey demonstration
Ms Craine addressed the crowd of protestors with heartfelt thanks for their attendance and to explain where the 205 houses would be sited, together with the spine road which could not be adopted by the DOI as it would not meet the standards set out in the Manual for Manx Roads.
If the appeal is upheld by the Planning Inspector in the coming weeks, the decision of the Planning Committee would be superseded and the developers will have the green light to build on this much loved green open space.
The Green Party leader also highlighted that the proposed development would lead to a net biodiversity loss (a negative impact on wildlife) which is contrary to IOM Government legislation and the Biosphere status granted to the Isle of Man in 2016.
Manx Wildlife Trust’s thorough report details how the ecological protection measures of the development are insufficient and would detrimentally affect wildlife in the area.
The Ramsey Town Commissioner said: “2500 people have signed the petition against this development.
“Many people are concerned about the loss of this vital green belt in Ramsey, the damage this development would do to our Biosphere, and the impact it would have on Ramsey as a whole when flooding occurs on this site.
“The shortsightedness of this scheme smacks of greed and a lack of consideration for the environment and people. All developments should ensure net biodiversity gain is achieved to safeguard nature and wildlife for generations to come.
“Sustainable development is a key aim of the UNESCO Biosphere and sustainability is meeting the needs of today without compromising our ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.
“This development has been proved to be unsustainable for this area in every aspect of the design. It would damage our UNESCO Biosphere status if the appeal was upheld and the Planning Application is approved. If Planning can reject the Newsons on the Quay scheme but approve this development, we have a serious problem.”
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