Onchan Commissioners disappointed with DEFA Minister over care home plans

'Complete disregard for our established policies'

Onchan Commissioners are disappointed with the Environment Minister for approving plans in principle for construction of an 80-bed care home in the town.

Developer Howstrake Developments Ltd has applied for permission to build the facility at the far end of King Edward Road.

The local authority had lodged an appeal against the development, on the grounds it was contrary to the 'Onchan Local Plan', but it was turned down by Geoffrey Boot.

The decision was made despite an independent inspector's recommendation that Onchan's appeal should have been upheld.

Commissioner Robin Turton says Mr Boot's actions show 'complete disregard for our established planning policies' and support a plan which 'doesn't appear to be environmentally friendly'.

He's articulated the board's 'extreme disappointment' with the decision.

Defending his decision via a House of Keys written answer this week, Mr Boot said 'I believe that it is right for the decision to be made by an elected representative of Tynwald, not an off-Island inspector'.

The DEFA Minister turned down the appeal for a number of reasons, including the need for care homes on the Island and to optimise the use of land in the town.