Plans for TT food village in church grounds rejected

The plans would have seen the food village held in the grounds of St Ninian's Church

Plans for a food village showcasing local produce and traders in the grounds of a church during the Isle of Man TT race festival have been thrown out.

The idea was put forward by the Manx Food Market Traders Association, which organises food markets on North Quay.

It would have been held in the grounds of St Ninian’s Church in Douglas between 27 May and 8 June.

But the planning committee rejected the application amid concerns over increased traffic, parking issues, noise, odour and the effect on the existing food offering at the grandstand during the period.

The association had put forward plans for one-sided marquees, food trucks and street food vendors accompanied by musical entertainment, with a pop-up fine dining restaurant in the eaves of the church in the evening.

Resident concerns

In its objection to the plans, the Department for Enterprise said there was already due to be “significant food offerings” at the grandstand during the festival but would have supported the village had it been in the town centre.

The DfE also said traffic would be “directed along and away” from the area to alleviate the issues raised by residents previously, but holding the food festival may exacerbate the problem.

Concerns were also expressed over the effects of the noise and smell of the festival, and potential issues with parking and access to the area for residents of a nearby retirement complex.

But the planning committee heard there had been no concerns raised by environmental health about the smells, and the highways authority had “bottomed out” its concerns over traffic with the organisers.

Organisers had also said they would provide parking at a separate site for up to 200 motorcycles, and music would be acoustic rather than amplified.

Although the planning officer had recommended the application be approved, the committee unanimously refused it, citing concerns over the impact on amenity for local residents, the existing offer at the grandstand, and traffic in the area.