Major new development in Onchan would cause major problems for infrastructure in the village, says the chairman of the local commissioners.

Robin Turton has warned construction of large numbers of homes would place further strains on traffic and schools in the district.

It comes ahead of an inquiry into the Eastern Area Plan, a draft government document which zones land for development in the east of the island.

The scrutiny process will begin in September, and be led by independent inspector Mike Hurley.

All evidence for the inquiry must be submitted by August 16, while those wishing to make formal representations have missed the deadline.

That was on Thursday last week.

A site at Ballachrink in Onchan has been earmarked for a possible 200 new homes, while a number of fields by Ashley Road are labelled as ’strategic reserve’.

Commissioners met to discuss the draft plan last week and voiced their overall objection to any large-scale development.

The local authority’s board has chosen to register to make formal representations during the upcoming inquiry, putting forward the views of members and ratepayers.

It was also decided that a public meeting will be called in August to gather the opinions of ratepayers on the plan. A date has yet to be set.