St John’s residents have raised concerns about a proposal to develop 101 homes on 12.32 acres of land in the village.

The proposal was submitted as part of the call for sites in the Area Plan for the North and West.

The land in question lies to the east of the Curragh Road, and adjoins the Kennaa road.

It is in close proximity to Hope Corner, and behind the Slieau Whallian Park estate.

In addressing residents’ concerns about the proposals, StJohn’s-based German Commissioners stressed that: ’This document [the area plan] is not set in stone’.

’At this time it is a proposal for future development to be identified within the parish.’

The local authority also stressed that there are no official planning applications for the proposed land, and that none of it has yet been zoned for development.

The proposals are being made by the former owners of the adjoining Kennaa Dairy Farm, who are now based in the UK.

In past years the farm was bought by its tenant Paul Kermeen, but the owners retained the fields which are now being proposed for development.

Resident Peter Jones, who lives near the land, had been calling on other residents to object to the proposals, to prevent it being used for future development.

The consultation period ended last Friday, June 25.

Mr Jones has several concerns about the development.

He stated that the proposal would come at the expense of the area’s ’pleasant country environment’, and that residents would ’see their surroundings ruined forever’.

Mr Jones also cited worries of increased traffic, stating: ’The road [to Archallagan] is already used, at peak times, by too many drivers trying to avoid the hold-ups at Quarterbridge. Adding another 200 or so cars to the area [which would accompany the development] will make this situation much worse.’

He also said that he had spoken to farm owner Mr Kermeen, who fears for the viability of his dairy farm should he lose the use of the fields (which he currently rents) if the development goes ahead.

Lastly Mr Jones is concerned about the demands that 101 houses would put on the area’s water supply, having already suffered from low water pressure issues. The proposal cites Manx Utilities’ confirming that water supply would be sufficient.

Another St John’s resident, Mandy Perry, also started an online petition which gathered 315 signatures.

She said that the proposals would ’spoil a beautiful quiet village, also taking away scenic views and wildlife and creating more noise and traffic for the community’.

Referring to the area plan going forward, the commissioners stated: ’The board is aware of how upset people are about the proposed sites and we are monitoring the situation very carefully.

’Once the proposal is in draft form, the commissioners will hold a public meeting to hear the views of the people in the area; before they formulate their official response to the draft document.’

Meanwhile, property developer Dandara’s plans for 181 homes in the lower Miltown area (west of Ramsey) have been reduced to 166 from 181, to take into account updated flood risk maps.