A proposed land grab by Ramsey has been condemned by a neighbouring local authority.

And the chairman of Lezayre Commissioners says they could make a tit-for-tat bid to take over Ramsey.

Ramsey Town Commissioners are planning to submit an application for a boundary extension to take areas of land and property in Lezayre and Garff. It says it is talking with neighbouring authorities about a boundary review which it claims is needed as it requires more land for housing and employment.

But chairman of Lezayre Commissioners Arthur Radcliffe said: ’On the face of it we are totally opposed to what is being suggested.

’Not only are there many practical consequences of such a "land grab" but we consider the whole public inquiry process is deeply flawed.

’Firstly, small rural authorities do not have the same financial resources to fund adequate legal representation as compared with urban authorities.

’Secondly, and more importantly, for some unknown reason the inquiry cannot take into account any financial implications of a ta ke over.

’As these are the significant factors involved it means that a public inquiry is meaningless and in fact only a public relations exercise.’

He added: ’At the next Commissioners meeting I intend to propose that Lezayre investigate the possibility of making a take over bid for Ramsey!’.

The move by Ramsey comes as developer Dandara submitted a planning application for 181 new homes on 31 acres of farm land split by the former railway line across the boundary of Ramsey and Lezayre.

Ramsey’s rates at 399p in the pound are considerably higher than their neighbours’.

In Garff’s Maughold ward, it’s 131p, while people in Lezayre pay 92p.

Garff Commissioners clerk Mark Royle said: ’The commissioners are considering the proposals from Ramsey at their meeting on Wednesday.

’The board will be in a position to provide a statement following this meeting.’

The row mirrors an ongoing boundary dispute the in south of the island which went to public inquiry.

Port Erin applied to take over the whole Ballakilley estate, prompting Rushen to accuse ita larger neighbour of attempting a raid on its rates income. The parish then made a tit-for-tat bid to bring 90 homes on the Port Erin side of the estate under its control.