A new group is fighting a controversial planning development in Port St Mary.

Developers have started work on a long-mooted scheme to build two homes on the Underway.

The proposed homes will back on to a very steep bank below the village’s main road.

Today (Saturday), the Bay View Action Group will hold a public meeting in the town hall to express its concerns at the development.

Campaigners want to raise £20,000 to fund legal action against the work.

Developer Haven Homes insist they ’remain professional and diligent in our approach to the works’.

Planning consent for two five-bedroom houses was granted (planning application number 10/01892/B) following an appeal in 2011 to a previous applicant.

Objectors point out that the area suffered a landslip in the 1990s and - slightly further along at Happy Valley - in 2010 leading to road closure, house evacuation and major disruption.

The local authority has vigorously fought any development at the site for many years because of fears over safety.

It also questioned the title held for the foreshore on which two parking spaces have been built as part of the planning approval.

Leading the Bay View Action Group is Alec Merchant, a commissioner who is driving this as a resident.

He said: ’There’s a history of collapse in the area. That’s why the community is challenging this.’

Haven Homes managing director David Lewis said: ’We continue to comply with all statutory requirements and remain in regular contact with Port St Mary Commissioners.

’We have a sit down meeting planned with Port St Mary Commissioners to share details of our engineering investigations and construction programme so that we may fulfil our commitment and the Commissioners may continue with their ongoing commitment to minimise the risk of disruption to residents of Port St Mary during the works.

’There is no question regarding the validity of the land ownership under the Land Title that is available for any member of the public to view at the Land Registry.

’The planning application passed through full due process and has unappealable approval.

’We remain professional and diligent in our approach to the works and are looking forward to delivering two exceptional properties in a fantastic location for two new families within the village who will no doubt be a valuable addition to the community.

’A full statement can be viewed at haven.im/underwaystatement and we are always prepared to meet anyone in our offices in Castletown to discuss any specific concerns that individual residents may have.

’We can be contacted on 835222 or [email protected]’

The meeting takes place at 10.30am.