MNH appeals against King Orry statue planning approval

Organisation believes statue contravenes government's strategic plan

Manx National Heritage has lodged an appeal against the planning committee's decision to approve plans for a statue of King Orry in St John's.

The organisation says the committee ignored its professional opinions and recommendations against progressing the project.

The heritage body previously voiced concerns over the proposals, which were submitted by President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly, questioning the risks and impact of the statue, as well as the accuracy of the portrayal of Godred Crovan, also known as King Orry.

In its application for an appeal, MNH says the committee's decision disregards the professional opinion of itself as well as the planning officer, who had recommended the application for refusal.

It goes on to say the statue would contravene government's strategic plan in a number of ways, including by allowing development on a site of archaeological interest, and the lack of evidence of consideration for the impact on its surroundings.

The plans were unanimously approved by the planning committee last month.