The plan (09/0862) turned down by the government planning committee also included proposals for off-road parking.

Ms Bowness owns Fairy Bridge Cottage and an acre of land between the Santon Burn and the Fairy Bridge stream.

The committee said the Fairy Bridge site was not designated for development.

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'Whilst the development is proposed in order to interpret the Fairy Bridge, which is a well known local landmark, the historical accuracy or significance of this feature is not well established and as such, this would not represent sufficient justification for setting aside the general policy against development in this area,' it said.

In addition, Ms Bowness had not shown that safe access in and out of the site was physically possible.

The committee also said it did not have enough information to gauge what the visual impact of such a development at the site would have or its impact on the ecology of the site.

Information was also lacking on the potential for flood risk now and post development.

Traditionally, people who pass the bridge say hello to the 'Little People' — or fairies. Placing items on the tree has also started happening in more recent times.

Sonya had explained in an earlier interview with Isle of Man Newspapers that leaving messages on the tree at the bridge began 10 years ago when she was approached by two Malaysian lads who asked for permission to hang a plaque on the tree as they had a tradition of wishing on trees in their own country.

Ever since, the number of tributes and wish notes spiralled.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im

YOUR COMMENTS

Of course it has been refused. If the area hasn't been zoned for this type of development then why should they get permission. Lots of people have an area of land they would love to build on (myself included) but if isn't zoned then it should stay one rule for all.
ANON

I would have thought in the current climate anyone wanting to start a new business and make investment would be welcomed. Shame. Once again. Epic Fail.
IOMEPICFAIL

I think it would be interesting for the IOM Newspapers to explore what would happen to the landowner if some hapless idiot who felt it appropriate to litter the tree at the fairy bridge fell whilst doing so? I would assume it would be regarded as the landowners responsibility. Or what happens if someone is hit by a car whilst stopping at the fairy bridge on the main road to read the messages left there? From the plans I have seen proposed, the public would have safe access to the 'fairy bridge' (as we know it) which could be expanded upon which must be better than what is happening now. If I was the landowner, I would be building a very large fence around my property - the property I paid good hard earned money for, and keeping the public out and safe - but can you imagine the uproar that would cause...
VEXED

What a shame, a golden opportunity to expand a cherished landmark for the good of the Island's Tourist Industry whilst making the site safer. The couple must be devastated as it would of cost them a pretty penny to apply for planning, it would be interesting to see if IOM Tourist Board would of obtained permission if they owned the land (bet they would!)
TK

Perhaps if she'd applied under the name of a local developer, it would have been passed. They can apply to develop a small dwelling in keeping with the surrounding area and then turn it into whatever they like. Anything would be better than the blot on the landscape which has occured since some idiot thought it would be a good idea to hang wishes on the tree. It is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident while someone is taking a picture or hanging their wishes - then of course the government will willingly buy the land off her to develop a car park.......
THE DOCTOR

I agree with the fact that the land has not been zoned for development and if the Government were to 'bend the rules', then they should for other people also. Would it not be more important to 'bend the rules' for someone trying to build a home rather than a café? That road is beautiful with all the trees, it would be a shame to spoil it! It is also a fast road and access would surely be an issue?
HAYLEY, Castletown.

Well said Hayley. Why spoil a lovely spot by putting in a cafe and hard standing? The planners are also right to be concerned about the access issues. If it is potentially dangerous now how much worse would it be when it became a 'tourist attraction' with parking and cafe/gift shop? Next thing would be traffic lights and/or a pedestrian crossing.
Just because someone owns a cottage by a landmark does not mean that they should have carte blanche agreement to develop the site. Apart from which if this is not the genuine Fairy Bridge wouldn't it be attracting tourists under false pretences? If this is their home leave the fairies in peace.
PF

Just another victim of the "elf and safety" laws.
ST JOHN'S ROB

This isn't the REAL fairy bridge anyway, its just the convenient touristy one. No way should that quiet area of countryside be developed and all that rubbish on the tree should be removed too.
JOHN

Has anyone consulted The Little People? Maybe it would have been wise to check with them first to avoid making them angry.
THE PRESIDENT OF FOXDALE