New northern campsite for TT visitors approved

Plans for agricultural land in Bride to be used as a TT campsite have been backed

Plans to use agricultural land in the north of the Isle of Man for a campsite during the TT and Manx Grand Prix have been approved.

Submitted by Silly Moos Campsite Ltd, the facilities would be located on a 9.51-acre (3.85-hectare) site on West Kimmeragh Road in Bride currently used for cattle.

The site would include 12 motorhome and 60 tent pitches, a reception building, toilet and shower facilities and a marquee during operating periods.

First opened in 2012, Silly Moos Campsite closed its offering at Ballakillingan Farm in 2023 in favour of finding a new location.

The plans include 12 pitches for motorhomes and 60 for tents

Recommending the proposals for approval, the planning officer's report said the development integrated camping-related infrastructure in a way that "respects the character of the site and its surroundings".

"The proposal would not have significant adverse effects on public or private amenities, site ecology, highway safety, or landscape character," it said.

The campsite would create four part-time jobs during its operating periods and was predicted to bring in £711,000 to the local economy in general visitor spending and revenues, the report added.

The applicants said access tracks would be the only permanent feature of the plans.

Silly Moos Campsite at Ballakillingan Farm closed in 2023

Backing the proposals, planning committee member Helen Hughes said there was a "national need" for the proposals.

However, Mathew Warren said while it was a "good application", he had concerns over noise as the site was "so close to the neighbouring property".

The planning officer told the committee most of the noise would come from the marquee, which was about 442ft (135m) away from the property.

Committee member Adele Bettridge said people needed to "make allowances" for noise throughout TT, but added she was "a bit disappointed" the campsite would not be used for a longer period.

The proposals were unanimously backed by the committee.