Athol Street Auctioneers Ltd has submitted plans for 20 flats within three blocks on the now vacant Mart Site, Bowring Road, Ramsey.

Ramsey commissioners, while keen to see the site developed, have decided to object.

The bid shows 20 spaces while regulations require 40 spaces (two per unit),which may be relaxed if the development is within a reasonable distance of a bus route and it can be demonstrated that a reduced level of parking will not result in unacceptable on-street parking.

The applicant pointed out in a statement accompanying the plans the site is opposite the Commissioners-owned Station Road car park and also close to bus routes.

With regard to open space, the applicant recognised this fell short due to the confined nature of the site, but cited the ’close proximity to dedicated children’s play areas’.

Pat Ayres accused the applicant of being ’disingenuous’.

’They could provide the right number of spaces and there’s plenty of room for open space, but they are just out to make a profit’, he said.

He proposed that they object on grounds of insufficient parking and open space. This was seconded by Michelle Quayle. The motion was carried with Andy Cowie, Eric Corkish and Luke Parker voting against.