Onchan Commissioners have clarified its role ahead of an information session, following public debate about its engagement with campaign groups over the Mooir Vannin wind farm.
Chairman Anthony Allen said the Board had received “a significant number of enquiries” from residents seeking information about the development and its potential impact.
In response, Commissioners approached No Offshore Turbines 4 IOM to ask whether the group would provide an information session, noting it was the most accessible established community organisation with public contact details.
Mr Allen stressed this should not be interpreted as support for the group’s position, and that the session “was never intended to be a public debate”.
Commissioners also invited Ørsted to take part in a similar session, but the developer said it could not participate while its consent application is under public examination. Discussions about future engagement are ongoing.
Mr Allen said: “The Commissioners have no position for or against the proposed offshore wind farm. Our role is to represent the interests of residents, ensure that local people have access to information, and provide opportunities for informed public engagement on matters of significant community interest.”
He added that the authority had acted impartially throughout and asked that public discussion be “constructive and respectful” and avoid inaccurate claims about the Commissioners’ role.
