Changing pub to shop could harm community, say commissioners

The application for The Haven was one of the topics it discussed at its public meeting

Port Erin Commissioners says it won’t be supporting an application to change a local pub into a retail outlet because it would harm the community.

It adds that if The Haven was changed it would affect the other smaller convenience shops in the village – which include locally owned businesses.

The commissioners agreed that it serves different customers to the others around the village and it should remain.

Commissioner Hugo Mackenzie said the local authority shouldn’t be ‘encouraging the demise’ of it.

He added that The Haven is a ‘community facility’ and it’s up to the owners to prove the pub is ‘unviable’ rather than a ‘less profitable alternative’ to a retail shop.

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Whilst Commissioner Karl Drinkwater said pubs are dropping in numbers and if it is changed then it could hurt two small businesses in the village.

Vice-Chair Barbara Guy said the landlord should be given the chance to keep the building operating as a pub.

The board agreed to object to the proposal.

Another planning application the commissioners discussed was for tourist accommodation on Fairway Close.

Mr Mackenzie said there’s a large amount of tourist lets in the village, and it’s harming the number of young people who can stay in Port Erin because they can’t get on the property ladder.

He added that unless youngsters can be on the social housing list, they will struggle to find somewhere to live.

Commissioner Jimmy Cubbon queried whether the government has any policies about tourist accommodation.

Temporary Clerk Phil Gawne said it could be included and also told the board the applicant is from the UK.

The board agreed to object to the tourism part of the application but not the refurbishment work and solar panel installation.

And the commissioners have decided to allow a palm tree to be cut down on its Ballakilley Estate on the provision that other residents are also in favour of it.

A letter had been sent in by a resident asking for it to be removed due to it being a ‘nuisance’ and the local authority had, in principle, agreed.

However, due to its location the board agreed the housing officer should contact affected residents to ensure they’re happy with the decision to cut it down.

Port Erin Commissioners will next meet on Tuesday 7 September.