A planning application for a new public park in the south of the island is due to be submitted next week.

If planning consent is approval, the first phase of Ballakilley Park in Rushen could open as early as next year.

Laid out over two connected sites, the proposed park will be bordered by the Ballakilley estate, Rushen cemetery and Southern Nomads’ new rugby pitch.

It will feature a sculpture trail and nature garden, adventure play area, bandstand , picnic area, running track and dedicated dog exercise zone.

Arbory and Rushen parish clerk Phil Gawne said: ’We would hope to get started as soon as permission is granted with a view to being open next year.’

The first phase of the scheme is expected to cost about £150,000, to be funded partly from reserves and charitable sources.

But Mr Gawne said commissioners are still working on costs.

A second phase, subject to further planning applications and dependent on how much phase one costs, could include a canopy over the bandstand, refreshment kiosk and toilets.

Mr Gawne said: ’Commissioners are very much aware a fair proportion of this will be paid for by their ratepayers so every effort will be made to keep costs down while delivering an exciting and much valued public.’

Arbory and Rushen have £40,000 in reserves for the Ballakilley Park project and are hoping to get more from charitable sources.

The go-ahead for the scheme is not based on any deal with Port Erin to settle the boundary dispute on the Ballakilley estate.

Port Erin applied to take the whole of the estate under its control but Rushen then made a tit-for-tat application to bring all homes within its parish.

Port Erin Commissioners offered to withdraw its application if Rushen and Arbory agreed to talks about a merger.