The company behind a controversial proposal for a £100 million project to develop a marina in Ramsey is set to enter talks over how to progress their plans.

According to information released via a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, Ramsey Marina Limited (RML) is to enter negotiations with the government over leasing the foreshore.

It’s understood this discussion will be held with the Department of Infrastructure, which owns the land and an appraisal report into the company’s proposal for a 400-berth marina will also be prepared.

The development includes a mix of residential and commercial properties, a hotel, and a piazza with bars. So far, no planning application associated with the scheme has been submitted to planners.

According to the FoI response, ’there are no concrete timescales for these next steps’, which were agreed following a meeting involving RML, government departments, and the Attorney General’s Chambers’ procurement team.

It comes after three parties submitted bids to build marinas in Douglas, Port St Mary and Ramsey harbours, but only the latter proposal was considered ’compliant and viable’.

The DoI and RML will enter into discussions to negotiate heads of terms in respect of options to lease the foreshore.

Details of the scheme were announced by businessman Robin Bromley-Martin when he gave evidence to a Tynwald committee on the government’s harbour strategy.

Mr Bromley-Martin claimed the project will create 100 jobs and bring in 5,000 to 10,000 extra visitors to the town, generating an extra £500,000 to £1m additional income and that no public money would be required for the scheme.

Chairman of the commissioners Andy Cowie and Dr Alex Allinson MHK welcomed the plans, but the Manx Wildlife Trust raised concerns over environmental issues regarding the project.

It was also met with hostility by a group of residents in the north who launched a campaign called Save the Bay and its Facebook group has attracted just under 1,000 followers.

Rebecca Odessa, who lives on the promenade overlooking the bay, has previously said: ’My personal views are that it shouldn’t be put in the bay.

’I’m not against the marina as I think that’s a great idea if that’s what the town wants.

’However, they are also planning to build 150 or so houses, which will push the sea back.

’They will have to build a huge breakwater for the houses so you wouldn’t see the horizon any more.’

Mrs Odessa also said that there are environmental concerns about the scheme.

The marina, if built, would fall inside the Ramsey Bay marine reserve and Save The Bay is concerned about the impact on species of sea plants such as eelgrass.

Ramsey Marina Ltd has said it has considered environmental issues and that it wants ’to enhance the local environmental aspects as much as possible’.

However, opponents called for a public inquiry to be held into the proposal.