An application to build 96 homes in Castletown has passed its final hurdle after a bid to have it stopped was rejected.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot threw out the appeal against approval for Haven Homes Limited to build 96 homes on the corner of Douglas Road and Victoria Road.

The developer’s application (18/00524/B) includes provision for 24 affordable homes as part of the development for two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.

Planners had originally approved the plans on April 1, although an appeal was later submitted. However, Mr Boot ruled earlier this month that the appeal should be dismissed and the new estate should be constructed.

The estate will be accessed from Victoria Road after a new roundabout at the existing junction with King William’s Way was rejected by highway services.

Another proposal for a fifth turn off to be added to the roundabout near Janet’s Corner was rejected as it ’would also not be achievable in accordance with modern highway design requirements’.

Mr Boot’s decision was based on a report by Brian Sims, an independent inspector who came from the UK to conduct a site view, while ensuring social distancing was adhered to, before holding a remote hearing for the appeal.

Mr Sims summarised the appellants’ arguments as: ’Whilst there is a Southern Area Plan, this should not mean that it is set in stone and followed without question.

Alternative

’A possible alternative way to meet the need for houses would be to focus on the regeneration of original built-on areas and existing housing stock to provide good quality housing rather than tearing up the precious countryside, which seems to be the trend at the moment.

’Another way to tackle housing need, as an alternative to these big housing developments which overpower the largely rural landscape, would be to create a greater number of small developments which would lend themselves more easily to a rural environment and blend in much more appropriately.

’Although this could be a lengthy and complex process, if done thoughtfully with respect for existing residents and the countryside long term benefits could be achieved.’

presumption

However, planners noted that ’the appeal land is designated in the adopted Area Plan for the South for residential development, there is a presumption in favour of the development in principle’.

They added: ’Notwithstanding an evident current reduction in island housing need, there remains a shortfall in Castletown and there is no intention to change housing policy. Numerical housing policy figures do not represent maximum provisions in any event.

’Moreover, planning decisions have long-term implications in the context of government economic objectives to reverse a decline in island population and there is potential for housing requirements to increase again accordingly.’

Haven Homes Ltd, added that ’individual house types and architectural style employed in the appeal scheme conform, so far as is practicable, with the disparate styles of the built context of the application site’.

Mr Sims ultimately ruled that the appeal should be dismissed and the application should go ahead.