More time granted to progress Viking village plans

The plans were approved in 2022

Those behind proposals for an educational Viking settlement on the Isle of Man have been granted a further three years to progress the project.

Plans for the development at Kattegat on Jurby Road, which include several traditional buildings as well as solar panels and a small wind turbine, were originally approved in 2022.

But the approval included a condition that the building of the project must be completed within two years.

The planning committee heard that due to wet ground conditions as well as the Viking Project Ltd converting from a company into a charity, it had not been possible for the project to be completed within the timeframe.

'Viking roots'

While the planning application had otherwise remained the same, the planning officer who recommended its approval said that concerns over potential impacts of a small wind turbine on bats in the area had been raised.

In response a new condition, recommended by the Manx Bat Group, was introduced restricting the use of the wind turbine to between October to March, as bats were active in the area outside that period.

While applicant Chris Hall said he was "annoyed" by the condition, as the turbine's impact on bat population was "much less" than bats being hit by cars, he said he accepted the restrictions.

Planning committee member Peter Young criticised that restriction, labelling it it a case of "sticking government's nose where it should not be".

However, committee member Adele Bettridge said she supported the restrictions on the turbine and said it was "good to see land being used for something so interesting".

Chairman of the committee Rob Callister said that given the island's Viking and Celtic roots, it was a "fantastic project" that was "long overdue".