Residents vow to fight 'green gap' housing scheme

Residents in a countryside cul-de-sac near Castletown say they will fight on, after losing a battle to stop new homes being built on green land nearby.

Local planners originally turned down the scheme for a housing development in the grounds of Netherby House, off Douglas Road south of the airport.

That decision was upheld by an independent planning inspector - but has since been overturned by infrastructure minister Phil Gawne.

Residents in nearby Brookfield Avenue say the decision flies in the face of the Southern Area plan, a blueprint for future development agreed by Tynwald.  

Spokesman Neil Walls says the minister has failed to protect the precious 'green gap' between developments: (play audio)

Minister Phil Gawne's decision will allow seven new homes to be built on the site.

In a ruling published on the government website, Mr Gawne says the scheme does not contravene the area plan - which allows for limited development in the green gap. 

He says his decision has taken an overview of all relevant issues.