West Quay proposals pulled after failing to meet policies

Thu, 13 Jan 2022

Controversial plans to redevelop Ramsey’s West Quay have been withdrawn by the Department of Infrastructure.

Submitted last October, the planning application outlined proposed refurbishment of the town’s working quay side, namely, the installation of glass flood defences, creation of a public seating area, and laying of new road surfaces.

In a special public meeting held by the local authority, the following month, major concerns were raised by local business owners, and residents.

In particular they centered on the loss of more than 60 parking spaces and the impact this would have on the biggest town in the north.

With the site falling in the town’s conservation area, issues were also raised over the ‘unsympathetic aesthetic’ of the plans which would seek to modernise the quay’s appearance.

It was agreed by many present, that funds to refurbish the area would be welcomed, if local knowledge could be applied to the design.

During the same meeting, Commissioners claimed although they’d met with the Department of Infrastructure who were responsible for the plans, a number of issues they had outlined had not been taken into account.

As a result, Ramsey Town Commissioners has objected on grounds that the proposals failed to meet policies laid out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016; an opposal which ultimately resulted in the plans being withdrawn.

Details of the application can be found on the government online services website.

---