Commissioners to send all Laxey sea defense feedback to government

'Majority of correspondence is not supportive'

Garff Commissioners will send all public feedback received on controversial plans for sea defences in Laxey to the Department of Infrastructure.

The local authority has expressed its support for the scheme in a submission to the Planning Authority, but will also forward the letters it's received from members of the community.

The plans, designed to mitigate the effects of climate change, include a new promenade wall along the village seafront, and a wall along Tent Road.

Chairman Nigel Dobson says the majority of correspondence is not supportive of what's being proposed, with many suggesting beach management be investigated instead.

He believes the commissioners have attempted to reflect the views of the entire Garff community in supporting the scheme, but this won't satisfy everyone.

In their submission to planners, the commissioners include a number of conditions they want to see met within the scheme. These include disabled access on to the raised walkway, ensuring there's no loss of parking spaces, and that the 'aesthetics' of the wall are suitable for a heritage area.

The chairman understands if planning permission is granted, the department will push on with construction.

Mr Dobson explained the current 'state of play' to Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne: