THE LEGALITY of an advertising hoarding placed at an accident black spot was questioned in a meeting of the Island's Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Planning committee chairman Clare Christian told fellow Legco members the matter was being investigated but she did not consider there was any flaw to be addressed in the planning regulations.

Eddie Lowey, who raised the issue, said the advertisement had been in place for a week at the Blackboards on the main Douglas to Castletown road.

Describing the advertisement board as a 'wigwam on wheels' rather than just a trailer, he added: 'It is cocking a snook at restrictions on advertising in the countryside and should not be permitted.'

Mrs Christian said there was no deemed planning consent even for a trailer if its primary purpose was for advertising.

Mrs Christian said her department had power to pursue the land owner or occupier, the business being advertised or the person responsible for the advertisement itself.

Juan Turner said commercial advertising was a growing problem and cited the Quarterbridge as an example with a multitude of posters displayed.

Some approved charity banners were legitimate, he said, but additional advertising was an eyesore.

Mrs Christian said when the most recent legislation was passed there were some existing advertisements that had 'grandfather rights' overriding the restrictions.

'That may include adverts for garages and petrol in some instances, for example,' she said.

'It may well be that we need an internal policy on the use of government property for advertising. We are reviewing planning and included in that will be the question of permitted development.'

Vicki Hewison, managing director of Watch This Space, the advertising firm involved, assured Isle of Man Newspapers she observed all legal requirements in placing the advertisement.

Permission had been granted by the landowner and advice sought from the planning department, she said.

'Before I went ahead, I contacted the planning department and told them what I wanted to do.

'They are mobile boards mounted on a chassis and I was told no planning permission was needed for that because it was a mobile structure that was not there for a lengthy period.

'No time limit was given but I took it to be about four weeks. The sign has now been moved.

'I am trying to be responsible about this and I simply want to provide a service for smaller businesses in the Island.

'I would not do anything that was irresponsible, illegal or needed planning permission.

Ms Hewison said she did not want to upset people but said the board was placed on a very slow corner and it was not placed in a beauty spot.

'I am Manx myself and I have no wish to spoil our countryside. It is a free market and the advice I was given was there were no issues,' she added.