2009 AGM
At 7.30pm on Monday in the village hall in Ballasalla the residents association (BADRA) held its AGM. The committee was reappointed on block with the addition of messers Henthorne and Collier.
With the new Chairman Donald Whittaker the meeting moved through the agenda, On the Southern Area Plan and Village Plan the meeting was told there was more consultation and BADRA must keep active, the final plans should go to Tynwald in the summer 2011.
On the Bishops (mission) Report much has been said but the Chairman stated ‘we must remain wary’, there was a vote of thanks to Mrs Barbara Brereton and Mr Tim Mann the Synod
Representatives for their hard work.
On the Crossag Development the meeting was told that all though BADRA have been granted full costs by the court, some 18 months on no payment has been received.
Poachers Pocket condemnation of everything going on came from the floor, including the state of the site. The Assistant Secretary read a letter sent to Mr John Welsh by DAFF after he made submissions to DAFF and DoLGE (planning) over concerns of damage to trees on the site, at the original planning appeal before an independent inspector, DAFF officers stated that only 2 or 3 trees would require felling. The letter dated 18th September 2009 stated:
‘ Our (DAFF) chief concern on this site was, and is, the broadleaved group of trees along the roadside, starting at the war memorial; and these have been saved. The trees within the development area are less important visually, and many which survive the building process will probably be lost when the dwellings are completed and occupied, because they will be too close to the houses. Once safety to persons and property becomes an issue, felling licences cannot reasonably be refused.’
This was met by many comments from the floor condemning DAFF’s attitude and remarks, and the view that yet again things are said at planning appeals and ignored at a later date. It was also stated that DoLGE have continually complained about having only one Planning enforcement officer, but nothing has been done to appoint more.
On Clagh Vane the meeting was told improvements, demolition etc. was progressing well.
The Airport was the next subject, a number stated that to spend £730,000 to stop people walking on the airfield seemed excessive when to local knowledge there have only been 3 people and 2 dogs found trespassing in the last year or so. There was also a demand that the footpath around the sea end be reinstated when the works are completed.
Graham Cregeen MHK told the meeting of the plans for a bowling etc centre on the Ronaldsway Estate site. He also told everyone present that DoLGE have offered 2 houses on Clagh Vane to be used as a drop in centre and somewhere for the youngsters to go.
Under any other business it was stated that Ballasalla was looking tatty, the meeting was told that the Commissioners and their MHK were still working to get a pavement sweeper for the village, and it was hoped everyone would do what they could to improve the look of Ballasalla.
The meeting closed at 9.40pm.