There would be a ’considerable’ cost to the taxpayer for new schools if the island’s population expands as outlined in the eastern area plan.

Chairman of the public inquiry into the plan, Michael Hurley, outlined educational provision, particularly in Douglas and Onchan, as an issue in growing the population.

The provision of an extra 2,000 homes in the east of the island would bring with it the requirement for 1,000 extra school places, split between primary and high schools.

In his report, Mr Hurley said: ’I note that at present there is no budget for the provision of the additional education provision described, the cost of which would be considerable.

’Plainly, new housing development, of the magnitude proposed in north Douglas and north Onchan would require substantial investment in additional school places.’

However, the required number is contingent on the eventual number and phasing of new dwellings.

Mr Hurley said: ’The Department for Education, Sport and Culture reported that there were particular constraints in the north Douglas/Onchan area, where primary school provision was over-subscribed and permanent capacity had been supplemented by the provision of mobile classrooms. Despite demand, additional children could not be accommodated at either Scoill yn Jubilee or Cronk y Berry primary schools.’

Mr Hurley said that delivering the area plan would most likely require the expansion of Onchan School from two classes per year to three.

The report outlines that Ashley Hill School will need replacing, Willaston School is already over capacity and would need to be expanded and while Braddan School has spare capacity, it will likely need replacing in the coming years as demand increases.

St Ninian’s Lower School has room to expand, however Ballakermeen is over capacity and has added mobile classrooms in recent years.