Marina 'only means' to encourage investment

The Ellan Vannin Maritime Centre (EVMC) would have space for a 400-berth yacht marina

The group behind a proposed new marina in the north of the Isle of Man said their plans were the "only way" to encourage urban investment in the area.

Ramsey Marina Ltd (RML) proposed a new 400-berth marina and yacht club with space for residential and commercial holdings in 2019.

However, Lawrie Hooper MHK has outlined plans to put forward a bill that would prevent any development in the area of the town's South Beach, where the marina would be built.

RML member Robin Bromley-Martin said Ramsey needed "a huge catalyst to kick start the urban regeneration in the town" and the proposed maritime centre was "the only means to achieve that".

He said RML had calculated Ramsey would need £150m in private investment to cover urban regeneration and better flood defences, which the EVMC would help to plug.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper wants to outlaw any future development on South Beach

Last month, Tynwald voted to throw out a development plan for the north and west of the island, which Hooper said had left the possibility of future development on the beach "up in the air".

The politician labelled the marina plans as "pie in the sky" and claimed local residents have long-felt "worry" about the proposed development.

In a statement, Ramsey Marina Ltd said it was a "myth" the marina would destroy the marine habitat at South Beach, whish is a protected nature reserve.

The EVMC argued the plans would "rejuvenate and rewild" the seabed while also allowing oysters to be grown underneath the marina.

The developers said their plans would create investment, about 800 direct and in-direct jobs, and a sea defence for Ramsey - something needed to replace its current wall, which was in a "bad state of repair" according to Mr Bromley-Martin.

Robin Bromley-Martin has argued the plans would generate growth, jobs and protect the marine habitat on South Beach

Hooper previously said, if given permission to progress the bill to prevent development in the area of South Beach, he hoped to have a bill ready for its first reading in the House of Keys by the new year.

However, the EVMC said politicians should be given the opportunity to consider its marina proposals and the potential benefits.

"Allow RML to put forward its proposals and make its case, and then allow Tynwald to vote on the projects on the basis of its merits and not throttle RML's democratic right to be heard," the group said.