A petition supporting a proposed ’glamorous camping’ site in Port Erin has 550 signatures.

The petition was drawn up by James Fennell of Micro Lodges.

His company hopes to make the 10 pods for the site, which would be run by Rowany Glamping.

Planners refused the plan, 17/00254/B, and said: ’Were there support from local residents, the application may have gone forward with a recommendation to approve. However, the proposal has proved controversial and worrying to people living nearby and, in view also of the recently adopted zoning for the area and the lack of strong material considerations to outweigh the identified concerns (it is refused).’

They referred the proposal to the planning committee and added if the committee approved the plan, they should include conditions relating to planting, opening periods, possibly temporary approval, and returning the land to grass if glamping stops.

When refusing the plan the committee concluded: ’The glamping development proposed would have an unduly harmful impact on the open character and natural appearance of this prominent location.’

Also, ’the development would have an unduly harmful impact on neighbouring living conditions’.

Port Erin Commissioners said people did support the proposal and lamented the fact objectors - not supporters - only usually respond to a plan.

Introducing the petition, James Fennell said: ’The proposed pods are all 6m by 4m, 5 star rated glamping pods with kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. The proposed site would be fully accessible for people with disabilities and include a structured planting and landscaping scheme.

’The site would be managed 24/7 and open year round including the 10 pods and a welcome centre.

’Even though we have the support of Department of Economic Development and the commissioners, planning decided to refuse the application.

’We feel this site would be of great economic value to Port Erin and the south creating a further 40 bed spaces in a high demand accommodation sector. It would also create three jobs in Port Erin and the associated income for local traders.’

The petition will be presented at the appeal hearing on July 25.

Comments made by those supporting the petition include: ’I work with young people with various disabilities and these pods would be amazing for them to gain life experiences and join in the fun of glamping’.

Another wrote: ’The island needs more facilities like this. The reasons for rejections e.g. noise concerns could surely be managed with camp site rules/policies etc.

Very petty reasons for the rejection in my opinion.’

One wrote: ’Brilliant idea. Not sure why it has not been passed already...yurts in union mills do brilliantly and Knockaloe (Anderson’s) pods had no issues?’

One made the point: ’This island is crying out for self catering holiday accommodation. The tourism industry needs to expand in order to keep this island going.’

Also: ’Once again planning goes against the will of the people and sensible ideas as per the turning down of the proposals for the old University of Liverpool Building.’

That referred to the old marine biological statement in Port Erin.

Another wrote: ’It’s a great idea. It adds value, not just to Port Erin but the whole of the Isle of Man. Where’s the Freedom to Flourish if a young company, dynamic in its thinking, and looking to do something great to help the economy, is stopped short at the very first fence. Has anyone investigated the true reasons of the objectors?’

Commissioners’ clek Jason Roberts told the authority the Department of Economic Development recently produced a report ’Isle of Man on-serviced accommodation report 2017’ (which has not been made public) recommending glamping and that five sites are required for this.

The authority agreed to attend the hearing.

Planning permission is granted by an arm of central government, not local authorities, in the Isle of Man.