'We've got no option' says chairman Richard McAleer
Castletown Commissioners will appeal a decision to turn down an application for 48 new homes on the outskirts of the town.
The bid for houses at Knock Rushen was unanimously rejected by the planning committee in July.
One of the reasons it was turned down is the land wasn't zoned under the Southern Area Plan, despite being 'brought forward' under the Castletown Housing Land Review.
In a statement, chairman Richard McAleer says commissioners have no option but to appeal against this element of the decision.
He adds that members believe the land review should be given 'appropriate weight' during the planning determination process.
You can read what he had to say below:
Statement from CTC Chairman Mr R McAleer Following an interview I had in my capacity as Chairman of Castletown Town...
Posted by Castletown Town Commissioners on Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Speaking before the commissioners lodged their appeal, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas said the land review has less weight than the Southern Area Plan, but is still an 'important material consideration'.
He expects further issues regarding these two documents to be 'tackled throughout the appeals process'.
In an interview recorded before the commissioners lodged the appeal, Mr Thomas spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne:
Looneys of Ramsey to close
Future of Belfast flights 'precarious' due to low passenger numbers
Ministers to meet with LVA to discuss hospitality concerns
Fine for Douglas man caught with cocaine in car park
No one hurt in Coranny car blaze
Sewerage, population, GP appointments and housing among the west's top issues for CoMin
