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Garff Commissioners says ultimately government to have final say on new sea defences

Fri, 09 Nov 2018

The chairman of Garff Commissioners says ultimately government will have the final say on whether new sea defences are built in Laxey.

The Department of Infrastructure has submitted revised designs for a sea wall following feedback from the local community.

Residents were concerned a 4ft wall along the promenade would block the view and impact on tourism.

Under the latest scheme, the 4ft wall will remain the same height from the north end of the prom,  but taper off to the existing wall level by the slipway.

A raised walkway with disabled access will be included behind this planned promenade wall.

The other planned wall along Tent Road has been moved back one metre to allow easier access for harbour users. Other features such as flood gates have been included.

If approved, it’s expected the project will cost £1.5-£2 million from the department’s Climate Change Adaptation Scheme and take six months to construct.

Garff Commissioners discussed the government’s revised plans for sea defences along Laxey promenade at a meeting this week.

Members mulled over a draft document, but decided to delay any official comment until the detailed plans have been submitted by the Department of Infrastructure.

Julie Pinson was required to leave the room during the discussion after declaring a conflict of interest.

After the meeting, the local authority’s chairman, Nigel Dobson told Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne some press have misreported the scale of the proposed wall:

BA: The full plans will be published on Garff Commissioners website once available – the draft plans are currently free to view at the commissioners offices in Laxey.

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Media

• Nigel Dobson