Planners have refused an application by Onchan District Commissioners for alterations to Onchan Park.

The commissioners had applied for planning permission (17/00200/B) to change the use of the tennis courts off Belgravia Road to provide a car park. The plans would also have seen a new entrance made to the site.

The decision was made on July 12 but the commissioners have 21 days from that date to appeal before it becomes fixed.

In their decision, planners said: ’The proposed development would cause substantial harm to the character, appearance and visual amenity of the area by reason of the use of the site as a car park from open space/recreation use and therefore changing the character and appearance of site and street scene.’

Referring to the access to the area, it added: ’The application has failed to demonstrate that a safe and acceptable means of access to the site is achievable.’

Planners also believed the proposal would have an adverse effect on neighbours, saying: ’the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties through the noise created by the additional traffic generated by the development and also the same traffic then manoeuvring within the site to park.’

Back in March, Onchan Commissioners held a drop in day asking members of the public to submit ideas for the future of Onchan Park. This followed a public consultation on plans for the park which included a refurbished grandstand at the raceway and installation of an all-weather sports pitch with clubhouse and changing facilities, upgrading the cafe and enhancing the popular crazy golf attraction.

It was suggested income from the public and private car parking could pay for improved sports facilities in the park. The tennis courts had also been identified as possible building land, to be used for social housing, with income from this again reinvested in the park.