Ramsey boundary extension inquiry hears evidence

The three-day inquiry at the Ramsey Park Hotel began on Monday

A public inquiry has heard evidence for and against extending a northern town's boundary into adjoining local authority areas.

Ramsey Town Commissioners have applied to expand into parts of Lezayre and Garff for development as the town was at "capacity".

Giving evidence, the local authority's clerk Tim Cowin said the move was not a "land grab".

But the neighbouring local authorities challenged the plans, describing them as "territorial".

The three-day inquiry held at the at the Ramsey Park Hotel began on Monday.

The land earmarked in Garff features protected woodland that is currently in Maughold, including Lhergy Frissel and Claughbane Woods, while Lezayre would lose part of Glen Auldyn to the town.

On Monday, Mr Cowin said the authority wanted to give residents more "green space" and confirmed Ramsey Commissioners would have the financial and staff resources to look after the areas.

Giving oral evidence, residents from the Glen Auldyn housing estate said they would not back the plans as they believed the residential area was "separate" to Ramsey.

Changes could see the boundary of Ramsey expand into Maughold and Lezayre

On Tuesday, Ramsey Commissioners said the expansion of the northern boundary line, which would include the Northern Civic Amenity Site and the waste water treatment works, would have the most value in terms of both employment and housing.

But Lezayre Commissioners chairman Julian Teare said the area was mostly farmland used to "support the Isle of Man’s food security".

Meanwhile, written evidence from the owner Mountain View Innovation Centre, which could be absorbed on the western boundary, said it was an ‘"established and committed" part of Lezayre.

However, Ramsey Commissioners said "many people" viewed the site as being part of the town and it would "regularise residents’ perceptions".

But Garff Commissioners vice chairman Marinda Fargher said "perceptions" of what was in Ramsey should not be considered as part of the bid.

If the boundary extension was considered appropriate, it would have to then be approved by Tynwald.