Plans to redevelop Pennybridge Stables in Kirk Michael into a residential use have been approved.

Carolyn Stephenson has been given approval in principle (16/01375/A) for the development despite concerns raised by Michael Commissioners.

In the planning officer’s report, it states: ’The equestrian-related operation has been being scaled down in recent years and the applicants have tried to diversify by introducing the camp site and applying for permission to redevelop the indoor arena.

’They now wish to sell the site and move elsewhere, considering that the livery business is not sufficiently profitable, particularly given the location of the site right alongside the TT Course.’

The proposal is to redevelop the farmyard - the houses, the indoor arena, stables and storage buildings - for the erection of new houses for residential use. The seasonal campsite would be retained, along with use of the land for equestrian purposes, served by the stables on the coastal side of the footpath.

Also proposed is a link from the footpath to the fields on the landward side by a new entrance which would enable horse-related traffic to cross between the fields and get out onto the Orrisdale Road without having to cross through the farmyard.

Michael Commissioners objected to the bid, expressing concern at the fact that the Orrisdale Loop Road is frequently used during race periods for parking and ambulance and other emergency services and the present gate that leads onto the railway also needs to be restricted access .

The majority of the site was designated for development but the indoor arena was not.

The planning officer’s report concludes: ’Whilst a small part of the site is not designated for development, the redevelopment of this releases a more practicable and sensible use of the site which has potential to be more neighbourly and safer and as such the application is recommended for approval.’

Reserved matters - including details of the siting and design of the buildings, access and drainage - need approval before work can start.