The delay in permission to access the now infamous Braddan Commissioners ‘Roundhouse’ is due to the need of obtaining a signed legal license for tree felling and construction commencement.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has already provided preliminary approval for the project in principle, expressing eagerness to proceed with the construction of the access road.
However, the delay lies in obtaining a signed legal license for tree felling and construction commencement, as there have been ongoing changes in Braddan’s requirements.
Lack of access to the Roundhouse
Following the recent requisition meeting with Braddan Commissioners, Douglas South MHK, Claire Christian reached out to the Minister and Department the next day for clarification.
She shared the latest update:
“While initial agreement for tree felling was reached on February 15th, subsequent amendments and requests from Braddan resulted in back-and-forth exchanges, leading to delays in finalising the license. Despite sending multiple versions of the license to accommodate the changes, Braddan continued to suggest revisions as of the latest meeting on March 11th.
As of today, March 14th, Braddan has raised further queries on the 12th March (the day after the meeting), another license was sent to Braddan on the 13th March, and today Braddan have come back with further queries, thus license not signed.
In summary, the DHSC has been supportive of Braddan’s efforts to proceed, yet the process has been prolonged due to evolving project specifications from Braddan’s end.”
Braddan Commissioners
Christian says its “crucial to highlight and give balance that the Braddan Commissioners have the right to alter their plans and make queries, however the primary reason for the delay was not obtaining the necessary licenses from DHSC, a point that wasn’t entirely clear during the meeting”.
Adding: “It is my understanding that 3 licenses have been sent to Braddan Commissioners since the 25th Feb to date for them to sign.
“This is definitely a complex situation and I do hope that it is resolved swiftly.”
Pedestrian crossing
Although there is some good news regarding the Roundhouse, the MHK received images of temporary pedestrian crossing yesterday (which was a condition of the planning approval).
The Department of Infrastructure Minister, Tim Crookall MHK advised Christian that after a few more checks, the project would move forward to the next stage for approval, likely involving DEFA and planning department.
She says ‘this is essential for the nursery to receive the license from the DHSC for them to open’.
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