A mapping error made with the planning blueprint for the east of the island could result in four more houses being built than should have originally been allowed.

The mistake affects the Crosby housing development which JM Project Management began constructing in 2018, in fields opposite Eyreton Terrace, near to the Millennium Hall and playing fields in the village.

The planning department confirmed that the boundary at Crosby changed from what was published in the final version of the Eastern Area Plan in 2020.

A spokesperson said that this was because of a mapping error which resulted in the boundary being expanded out into the field, and therefore more land in Crosby being allocated for ’predominantly residential’ use than was intended.

The extra space would allow for another four houses to be built at the north of the estate, though it appears the boundary has been extended on two sides.

As for why this mistake happened, the spokesperson cited challenges brought about by the first lockdown, in relation to cartographers having to work remotely on paper maps.

The spokesperson said that it would not be possible to correct the error in the plans, but that there would be a future appeal process.

However, there is a clause in the contracts of existing estate residents which prevent them from objecting to the proposals for more houses.

The planning application for the extra four houses (20/01511/B) was refused in February.

The reasons given were that ’the development of any part of this additional space between the approved estate and the residential area boundary would be premature until such times as it has been demonstrated how affordable housing, public open space, drainage and access would be satisfactorily provided’.

In addition, the department’s decision noted that the houses would result in the loss of a landscaped perimeter around the estate.

However, an appeal has been lodged and this process is ongoing, with the planning department having recently conducted an inspection of the site.

It is also understood that if this application were successful, the developer would submit more plans for the south of the estate.

Marown Commissioners confirmed that they have lodged a formal complaint with the ombudsman of maladministration against the Cabinet Office regarding the mapping error.

As of yet, no response has been received as the officer who would review the complaint is away until late August.

’We [the commissioners] are extremely disappointed that the error has happened,’ said Alison Lynch, the chair of the local authority.

’[It’s] something that should never have happened, and the people responsible need to be held accountable because they’re affecting people’s lives.

’To suddenly have a boundary extended to enable a developer to put in legitimate planning applications to develop further dwellings is completely wrong.’

Co-director of JM Project Management John Lovelady has also just been appointed as Marown commissioner in an uncontested election, which has raised concerns among residents about a potential conflict of interest.