Crossag Park/Clagh Vane putting the record straight
The following was sent to the papers today after another snide remark by our treasury minister:
Might I try to put to bed the attacks and snide remarks being aimed at the people of Ballasalla re the refusal of the Crossag Park Development, by members of the Government.
Firstly although Ballasalla & District Residents Association, Malew Commissioners and a number of private objectors put forward evidence they did not make the decision, the decision was made by Mr Turner the indpendant inspector, and his decision was upheld by the Council of Ministers.
His reasons were for anyone who does not know were as follows:
1) There should be a number of things done before a development of this magnitude takes place:
a) A valid recognised and agreed area plan.
b) As this is said to be only part of a bigger scheme, it should only be considered in the context of such a bigger scheme.
c) The new Area Plan now promised should be pursued, but should include the totality of the expected development and a Village Plan for Ballasalla.
The effect of this development on the living conditions of the people of Ballasalla.
Density.
257 houses are proposed for a smaller area than for which originally only 169 houses were proposed. The planners themselves in Document 30 Paragraph 36 Strategic Plan 11 have recommended only 170 houses for a much bigger area.
Design.
1) They had not made provision for buffer planting
2) Some of the boundary dwellings could constitute skyline development.
3) Maintenance of the buildings would be exceptionally high, as the white render would need to be painted every 5 years, this would be a particular handicap for first time buyers who by definition have less financial flexibility. The houses should not only be economic to build but also economic to maintain.
Open Space.
The inspector did not accept that the Malew Football Club grounds should be included as 'Open Space' since it was neither secure for the future, nor open to the public.
Schooling.
The new School would not be available for some years to come, therefore it was unacceptable that all the dwellings had to be completed before the school and other social provisions are improved, increasing the population past the point that the village could cope.
Highway.
This was a critical issue, he said that the increase in traffic after 2009 would create difficulties, and he supported the local residents opinion that congestion would be increased by the introduction of traffic lights and the heavy extra population. The long term solution was a by-pass which the inspector noted was not yet a financial commitment. He believed that such a major development as that planned must not be started until the by-pass had already at least begun.
That is a short report of what was said so far as Alan Bell's disaster as quoted during the Budget report and Tony Brown's 'disservice to the people of the Isle of Man by the people of Ballasalla' reading through the above most of the problems should of been picked up at the planning stage by the experts wether the local ones or the large number of UK ones used.
The last thing i would like to point out is that with all the shouting over loss of public sector and first time buyers houses, it was agreed between DOLGE and the developers J.G.Kellys that the majority of the 90 large private houses would be built first using up most of the first 2 years.
In short most of the reasons for refusal where created by government not by the objectors.
Just to point out the views above are mine personally and not necessarily those of the Association.
All the best to you all.
Eddie Power.