The owner of Gladstone Park Industrial Estate, Ramsey, is seeking approval in principle to build houses on the grassed area which is currently zoned on the Strategic Plan for ’light industrial use’.

Lead member for works and development, Ffinlo Williams told the town commissioners’ monthly meeting (which was conducted remotely) that the owner wished to build residential properties in order to generate finance to develop new, smaller industrial units on the rest of the site, for which there was a market.

Juan McGuinness was against the application, saying it was inappropriate at a time when they were trying to extend the town boundaries to accommodate the demand for houses on the outskirts.

He proposed that the board object on grounds that it did not comply with the Strategic Plan.

Andy Cowie seconded the motion as he was against the loss to the town of valuable industrial space.

The motion was carried and an objection will be submitted.