The developers of the proposed Ramsey marina have moved to address public concern over the scheme.

A new artist’s impression has been unveiled alongside further details about the scope of the project.

Changes to the plans include rotating the marina by 90 degrees anti-clockwise to open up the gap between south pier and the marina, requiring only seven hectares, rather than the planned 12 hectares, of beach reclamation.

Four of the seven hectares will be a landscaped area for public use, with three used for the development itself.

The revised proposal includes a new beach at the south-west corner of the marina for public use, with disabled access.

The public slipway has been enlarged in the plans to provide a protected all-tide launching ramp for rigid inflatable boats and trailer fishing boats as well as other boating activities such as sailing, paddleboarding and sea rowing.

A spokesman for Ramsey Marina Limited (RML) said: ’The Ramsey bay marina development has always been intended to provide a major public marine leisure centre for the entire population of the island, with the beach facilitating increased leisure activities so that many more people can enjoy the pleasure of Ramsey bay than at present.

’As a public facility it will have no restrictions in terms of public access. It will be open for all to use and enjoy.’

The developers say an environmental impact study of the site will be carried out over a period of four to six months. They believe a rock armour breakwater will create a new marine eco-system above and below water, similar to artificial reefs.

RML says concern about eelgrass (seagrass) growing on the site are unfounded.

The spokesman said: ’Ramsey’s eelgrass has attracted a lot of comment, particularly given its ability to store carbon. There is no eelgrass where the marina will be located.

’However, the eelgrass is now seeding itself beside the Queen’s Pier and mooring dolphin, as the seeds have been "caught" by the structures. It therefore stands to reason that with the tidal current heading northwards in the bay for 80% of the time, seeds will be carried along the toe of the breakwater.

’As with the nearby structures, eelgrass is very likely to propagate along the toe of the breakwater.’

RML references long-term plans by the government to build a seven-metre high seawall on the south promenade and says the marina scheme will remove the need for the bulk of this work.

Geoff Court, a member of the ’Save the Bay’ group that is battling the plans, says the group’s fundamental concerns remain.

Mr Court told the Manx Independent: ’We are opposed to land being released to a private developer to build a housing estate on a free public amenity. The alteration of their plans does not address our objection.’

He rejected as ’complete nonsense’ a four- to six-month environmental impact survey, adding: ’Any expert will tell you that an environmental impact statement worth its weight is conducted over a period of 12 months to take into account all four seasons.

’The eelgrass is growing exponentially. It is incredibly susceptible to excess marine traffic. The notion that eelgrass would not be adversely affected is untenable.’

RML says it will build only the number of residential units required to cover the cost of the breakwater and 400-berth marina, but has not confirmed how many homes might be required. The developers say the marina could generate up to 300 jobs and that the local economy could benefit by up to £30m per year in visitor expenditure.

The spokesman said: ’Now that Covid has somewhat abated and life has returned to some sense of normality, RML believes that it is time to move the project forward as a major element in the economic recovery of the island.’