Supporters association says new Strategic Plan should go further
Government is not doing enough to protect the Isle of Man’s Steam Railway.
That’s the opinion of a supporters association which claims new housing developments, including those in Ballasalla and Castletown, go against the Strategic Plan.
The document is currently being reviewed – a consultation asking for feedback on it will close at 5pm tomorrow (29 September).
The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association says the new development in Ballasalla has ‘severely impacted the view from the passing trains’.
It adds: “The association is of the opinion that the railway as a whole including the closed lines should be protected from large scale developments such as those near both Ballasalla and Castletown and the potential one at Port St. Mary.
“This is particularly relevant as the policy buzzword “biosphere” and the ongoing efforts to encourage cruise ships and other tourists to the Island, all of which could be threatened by such overly-large developments.
“The Strategic Plan is important because it is what planning department and developers work to.
“This is an early stage in the new Strategic Plan but it is important as it sets the direction and scope for the review."
Bill Cubbon is the chair of the Isle of Man Steam Railways Supporters’ Association:
Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan recently discussed the consultation on the Strategic Plan on Manx Radio's Perspective with Phil Gawne. You hear that interview in full HERE.
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