Neighbours are opposing plans to demolish an historic Manx cottage on Bradda hillside.

Residents on Bradda Road, Port Erin, say they were shocked to discover that plans had been submitted to replace West View Cottage, a traditional Manx stone cottage, with a much larger modern house.

Previous plans submitted by the developer to renovate and extend the old building were approved in late 2016 and had the general support of neighbours.

But new plans have now been submitted (18/00593/B) for a very much larger development involving demolition of the 150-year-old property.

Resident Steve Roberts said: ’Numerous members of the public pause by its side when they reach the top of the steep hill climb up from the town, or come down Tower Road from having walked to Milner’s Tower, to enjoy the view.

heritage

’The new plans will not only demolish this valuable piece of Manx heritage but replace it with a much larger building, reminiscent of 60s style housing and totally out of keeping with the surroundings.’

Another neighbour David McGarry said: ’It seems that this proposed development is part of a continuing trend of eroding the heritage nature of the Bradda hillside and replacing historic homes with many much larger modern but variable style houses, built alongside traditional homes. New houses can be attractive but where a traditional house can be restored, preserved and extended in an appropriate style this surely ought to be the preferred option.’

Other Bradda Road residents have submitted objections to planners.

Character

Lindsay Maddrell said: ’The new building will destroy the character of this section of Bradda.’

Dr Joyce Monroe said: ’I feel very strongly that we should make every effort to preserve what is left of our Manx heritage.’

Sheena Maddrell on nearby Tower Road said the proposals would ’destroy a beautiful old Manx cottage to build yet another house which is not in keeping and will be an eyesore for all that live in Bradda and for the hundreds that visit our tranquil neighbourhood to enjoy a walk, the view and the landscape’.

’We cannot rplace our history, please don’t let more of it be destroyed,’ she added.

The plans have been submitted by Karl Hayes, of Port St Mary, who bought West View Cottage in 2015 for the impressive views afforded over the bay.

The proposed two-storey home would be based on the ’upside-down house’ concept to maximise views over Port Erin and having street level access on the first floor.

Agent Carl Jenkins said there were ongoing damp issues with the old cottage and builders had advised remedial works would be costly and could not be guaranteed to solve the problems.

It would make more economic sense and be more financially viable to demolish the existing structure and build a new property, the builders had said.

Mr Jenkins told the planning department: ’This application has been made seeking to demolish the existing structure in order to construct a more thermally efficient property that won’t suffer from the damp issues currently encountered.’

The deadline for comments on the proposal is Thursday.

The planning committee will consider the proposal at a later date.