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Bradda residents face 'costly' challenge to Spaldrick House plans

Legal challenge to nursing home an 'uphill battle'

A group of Port Erin residents say they face an 'uphill battle' if they choose to mount a legal challenge against the development of a 72-bed nursing home at the site of the former Spaldrick Hotel. 

Homeowners in the Bradda area have sought advice from lawyers on whether a case can be built to stop the plans from going ahead.

They're considering laying a petition of doleance, 'a legal last resort', before the courts - but admit such an action would be expensive to take with a small chance of success.

Steve Heeney, who lives near the site, is one of a number of people who objected to the plans when they were first submitted.

He said the footprint of the proposed home would be double the size of Tesco in Douglas, and is 'grossly out of keeping with the surrounding area'.

What's in the plans?

A proposal to demolish the dilapidated hotel and erect a residential care home, along with car parking, access and highway alterations, was submitted by Spaldrick Care Ltd in September last year.

The developer estimated construction of the home would cost £5 million and create 60 full-time jobs.

Around thirty families objected to the plans, as well as Port Erin Commissioners and the government's planning committee.

Concerns were raised over the scale of the development, its impact on views, privacy, traffic and parking, as well as its conformity with both the Southern Area Plan, and the all-Island Strategic Plan.

The plans were initially overruled by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. However following a successful appeal by the developer this year, and on the recommendation of the planning inspector, the plans got the green-light.

Can the area cater for a growing older population?

The Manx government is investigating how it can meet the demand for care and nursing residential homes, although development of these does bring challenges to for health services.

The Southern Group Practice has written to the Department of Health and Social Care to say it wouldn't be able to provide medical cover for the influx of 72 elderly residents expected at the Spaldrick home.

It's understood the two parties are working on a solution 'which ensures the health needs of all patient in the South of the Island are met'.

Could the decision be reversed?

Those who had opposed the plans now feel the process is weighted against them, and could be too costly to challenge.

Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne spoke to residents Neil, Sylvia, Olivier, Steve and Lorna about their frustrations:

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