Plans approved for 153 new homes in north of island

Under the plans there would be bungalows, 2- bed homes and larger family houses

Plans for 153 houses in the north of the Isle of Man have been approved by a planning committee.

Located in Ramsey at Vollan Fields, east of Royal Park and off Andreas Road, the proposals will include 38 affordable properties.

The plans will also feature public open space and developers Hartford Homes were also seeking "approval in principle for a primary school on land at Vollan Fields".

Rob Callister, chairman of the committee, said there were "plenty of benefits" in the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

The open space would include play areas

However, committee member Peter Whiteway said he was "not convinced" the school plan would "ever happen".

The planning officer who proposed the development was approved said it would have a manageable impact on public services like GPs, dentists and school capacities, due to the increase of people living in the area.

While the plans would change the character of the site, that was not deemed "so significant to warrant a refusal".

The committee also heard from objectors who shared concerns about the ground being saturated and potential flooding risks leading to increased insurance premiums for residents.

But George Li, an architect at Hartford Homes, said the development would have adequate drainage that would reduce rain water by 89%.

He added: "We will ensure this development is carried out with the least impact and disruption as possible on the local community."