Plans to create motorhome parking at wildlife park

Plans have been submitted to introduce 10 parking spaces

Plans to introduce overnight parking for 10 motorhomes in the car park of a zoo on the Isle of Man have been revealed.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) said the site would be part of a network of stops for the vehicles across the island to improve its tourism offering.

An application has been put forward to change purpose of the parking area at the Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh, but do not include electric hook ups, toilets or other facilities.

The motorhome spaces would be in the north eastern side of the car park, with the spaces positioned "as far from the road as possible" in order to "provide privacy", application said.

'Close to nature'

Bookings to satay at the site would need to be booked in advance, with stays up to a maximum of four days.

Authorised parking hours would be between 18:00 and 08:00 BST, and vehicles would only be allowed to remain at the site for 16 hours in any 24-hour period.

The planning statement said capacity in the car park was "significant", with approximately 80 spaces as well as an additional area with scope for extra parking if required.

It was "close to nature", but visitors would be able to access shops and pubs in Ballaugh and Sulby, it added.

As DEFA has submitted the application it must be considered by the Council of Ministers.