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Ballakilley boundary inquiry delayed

Tue, 22 Jan 2019

A public inquiry into Port Erin commissioners’ plans to extend their boundary to include the Rushen Parish half of Ballakilley Estate has been adjourned.

The move is to create ‘a coherent community to contribute towards local services’, but Rushen commissioners call it a ‘land grab for rates’, that’ll leave residents worse off.

Proceedings had been scheduled to start yesterday at Castletown Town Hall, but were postponed by inquiry chairman Geoff Karran MBE.

Rushen commissioners requested the delay, after their Port Erin counterparts handed over their evidence ’12 working hours’ before the inquiry began.

A spokesperson says the Rushen Board were concerned about this late submission, a feeling shared by Mr Karran, and needed time to consider it.

A statement by Port Erin Commissioners says historically the applicant has delivered its case to the inquiry verbally, but there had been ‘some confusion’ over this process, causing the late submission.

The inquiry will recommence on 4 March at 9:30am.

A public consultation on Port Erin’s proposal saw 57 out of 80 respondents object to the plans.

By Ewan Gawne - Local Democracy Reporting Service

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