Repairs to a famous waterwheel will still go ahead despite the planning application expiring.

The Groudle Glen Waterwheel, known as Little Isabella, was removed from the glen by crane last year to allow for repairs after it fell into disrepair last year.

A planning application for the replacement (19/00669/B) of the wheel was submitted in June of last year.

However after six months passed without more information being sent to planners, planning officer Sarah Corlett has advised Onchan Commissioners, which submitted the application, that it has been deemed withdrawn.

A Laxey based engineering company which is due to carry out the work, but asked not to be named, told the Examiner that work it had been doing had been slightly delayed and resulted in the application expiring.

A spokesman said: ’The planning deadline of January 17 was missed as the topological surveys have taken a little longer than expected, which has impacted on some of the detail drawings which form part of the application.

’We expect to have the details re-submitted early February for the waterwheel, wheelhouse and civil requirements. The planning approval process is likely to take approximately eight weeks, so plans should hopefully be approved for April.’

The company also provided an update as to how work on the waterwheel itself is progressing.

’The wheel has been stripped, gearing and pinions refurbished. Some of the existing components were beyond repair so new bearing mounts have been re-cast’, the spokesman added.

’Pattern makers are poised ready to begin with the wheels woodwork construction. We expect the wheel to be restored and fully re-assembled by April at our workshop, which will hopefully coincide with the planning approval.’

The wheel is due to be shipped back to the island in May ahead of a proposed installation between July and September when river levels are at their lowest and the site more accessible.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine, who pushed for the wheel to be repaired, said she is ’pleased everything is still on track to replace the restored Groudle waterwheel’.

She added: ’It is a sizeable and complex engineering project they have undertaken and an extremely generous community investment by the company. I am grateful for their stepping in to save the wheel and wish them every success.

’I am certain that the many people who enjoy visiting Groudle Glen will be equally thrilled when the Little Isabella is reinstated in the glen.’