Port Erin Commissioners to hold public meeting about Reayrt Vradda Glamping

Board member Jimmy Cubbon says the situation could 'bankrupt' village

Port Erin Commissioners has agreed to hold a public meeting about the Reayrt Vradda glamping site. 

Board Member Jimmy Cubbon says he would like to see a resolution to the situation and is calling on Manx Utilities and the planning division of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to attend. 

It was confirmed at the commissioners meeting that an offer to take over the lease was received, however, due to local authority legislation this cannot be taken up until the site is returned in whole and must follow a tender process. 

Mr Cubbon says he'd like to see some 'accountability' be taken from the situation by central government. 

It was announced last summer that the operating company was going into liquidation and the field would be returned to the commissioners. 

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Mr Cubbon:

No date has been set yet for the meeting, but the commissioners agreed it will be in the near future. 

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture says a planning enforcement case relating to Reayrt Vradda remains ongoing.

"Officers have carried out a number of site visits in recent weeks and are progressing formal correspondence with relevant parties, including the landowners and liquidator.

"We are aware of calls for a public meeting and, subject to availability, are happy to attend to outline the planning position and enforcement process."

​Manx Utilities says: 'Manx Utilities’ role is to provide electricity supplies in line with our statutory obligations and our published terms and conditions. As outlined in our recent Freedom of Information response, the Reayrt Vradda/Ballafesson site has one electricity supply, which was transferred to a new customer on 14 November following a valid application that met all requirements.

'Our function is limited to the safe and compliant provision of electricity to customers who meet those requirements.

'We understand from media reporting that a public meeting is being arranged in relation to the site.  Manx Utilities is happy to engage, where appropriate and within the scope of our responsibilities, once it is clear what information or support is being sought.'