Long-awaited plans for the redevelopment of the former marine laboratory in Port Erin got the support of the local authority at a recent meeting.

Commissioners made little comment as they gave the application (19/00373/A by Delgatie Ltd) the nod.

Delgatie applied for approval in principle for a major mixed use development of a 14-suite hotel, 73 flats, a restaurant/bar and exhibition centre plus parking for 159 cars.

Neighbouring residents and businesses have had a mixed response to the application.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has criticised the environmental impact assessment, saying it was ’very poor’ and ’lacking in any details about the ecology of the site’.

Ecosystem policy officer Sophie Costain said: ’There is no recognition that the application site intrudes into the designated Meayll Coast wildlife site.

’Wildlife sites, though not statutorily designated or recognised by law, are nonetheless sites of high wildlife value which should be recognised through the planning system.

’This site was designated for its coastal grassland, coastal heath land and for its importance for the cliff nesting seabirds. Of particular concern to me is building one which runs into the cliff zone where there are many nesting birds. If this application is approved in principle, I expect a more extensive ecological assessment at the next stage of the application.’

MaryBeth Coll and Ian Swindell from Foraging Vintners, a winery business operating nearby, said ’they welcome quality infrastructure and businesses to draw more footfall and attraction to Port Erin’.

They added: ’This site has the potential to be one of the most spectacular properties on the island.’

Resident John Ross-Munro said: ’The proposed development would completely transform a very poor situation.

’We could exchange the current eyesore for a modern development that Port Erin could be proud of with additional facilities for the village and for visitors to Port Erin.’

Residents Mr and Mrs P Nuttall wrote: ’It would have ’a significant adverse visual impact in an area of natural beauty within one of the most attractive bays in the island.’

They commented on the lack of reference to how development would impact on the natural, wildlife and ecological aspects of the site.

A transport report estimates there would be an additional 824 daily movements.

Mr and Mrs Nuttall described the proposed vehicle access as being ’inadequate’ to cope with the extra traffic which will be generated’. They said there could be delays in launching the lifeboat, which uses the same road, ’if emergencies arose at certain times’.