While politicians in the north have been praising Robin Bromley-Martin marina plans, the environmental aspect of the scheme has been called into question by the Manx Wildlife Trust.

Tim Graham, chief executive of the Manx Wildlife Trust said: ’MWT are not against developments, we just don’t want to see bad developments that impact the environment negatively and leave a lasting legacy that may not be able to be remediated.

’We will be interested to hear more details on the proposal and their pursuit of environmental standards, but would suggest that a real quality assessment would require assessments that are relevant, recognised internationally, and more fitting a scheme of such scale.’

Mr Bromley-Martin stated in his plan: ’The marina intends to qualify for the British Marine Federation top environmental accreditation - known as the Gold Anchor Scheme. In short, the marina will greatly enhance Ramsey Bay’s environmental credentials.’

However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the self-certification assessment of the standards.

One Manx environmentalist described the scheme as ’paying lip service’ to environmental issues and concerns.

Responding to these claims, David Dorricott, a board member of Ramsey Marina Ltd, said that it is what the company aspires to that is important.

Mr Dorricott said: ’As island residents, we are passionate about the environment in which we live - and the legacy we leave to others.

Legacy

’You can’t have failed to note the enormous lead we are taking at Mountain View - with the island’s largest solar array, a company electric vehicle scheme, and massive long-term support for environmental initiatives like Beach Buddies, long before they were at the front of the public eye.

’The entire Ramsey Marina team are equally absolutely agreed on aiming high.

’With any human activity comes environmental challenges, but sustainable marine development can even enhance the undeveloped one, especially with, for example, the introduction of new ecosystems - such as the breakwater.

’Some months ago we met with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture team, so ensure that we evidenced openness and co-operation from the start of the project.’

Despite concerns over the pier, Mr Bromley-Martin said: ’The dredging work will be specifically designed not to undermine the foundations of the pier, and there will be protection screens to shield the pier from any boats entering or leaving the marina.’