Concerns raised over new Shoprite proposal

Supermarket chain wants to build new store in the south

Plans for a new Shoprite store in the south of the Island may be met with resistance unless more information is provided.

A new supermarket could be built on the old Whitestone Garage site in Ballasalla if the designs are approved.

Malew Commissioners has raised concerns about what impact the development may have on the surrounding area.

The authority is writing to the planning department seeking more details on what the proposals would entail.

Shoprite, which is owned by Isle of Man Enterprises PLC, currently has nine stores in various locations including Douglas, Ramsey, Peel and Port Erin.

A statement from the company claims there is a clear demand from residents for another outlet to be built in Ballasalla.

"Isle of Man Enterprises PLC has been approached informally by a number of residents in the area who have suggested to them that they would welcome another neighbourhood food store, so as not to have to travel outside their immediate area", it said in its planning application.

It continued: "This was a factor they felt especially important during lockdown, and general covid restrictions."

However, despite wanting to encourage businesses to the region, commissioners have reservations.

Chairman Nigel Bazley is keen to know how the plans would affect other local businesses, as well as a new bypass in the village.

He said: "The board is always welcome to new business. We like businesses being in the Ballasalla area and I understand why Shoprite would want to put it there.

"They own the land, it's already a building, and we don't want a garage left there deteriorating.

"Having said that, we've been waiting something like six or seven decades, maybe more, for a bypass to alleviate the traffic going through the village.

"The installation of a new shop there, as well as effecting local businesses that already exist, will discourage people from using the bypass."

Mr Bazley is hopeful these factors have been taken into consideration and is waiting to hear the full details before deciding on the next course of action.

"It is most definitely not an outright objection to the plans, however we do feel at the moment that this is being rushed through.

"It would be very foolish of us to just say 'no, we don't want it' because we don't know whether they've actually thought about these things and addressed them and just haven't explained them to us or whether they just haven't thought about them.

"So to just say 'no' would be very foolish indeed and I don't think it would be fair on anybody."