Laxey Wheel: Commissioners object to plans for new entrance hub

The current turnstile entrance to the Laxey Wheel was built in 1986

A local authority in the east of the Isle of Man has unanimously objected to plans for a new visitor entrance hub at the Laxey Wheel.

Manx National Heritage (MNH) applied to replace the current hub at the landmark heritage site.

Garff Commissioners said the design and quality of the structure was not "appropriate" for a site of "cultural importance".

The local authority said it would be requesting a redesign from MNH.

The heritage body has applied to demolish the current kiosk, built in 1986, and replace it with a welcome hub.

In its application MNH said the existing structure "does not meet modern standards", and provided "poor visitor welcome with no opportunity for shelter and limited retail opportunities".

The current space provides a "poor visitor welcome with no opportunity for shelter and limited retail opportunities", it added.

In its submission to the planning committee about the plans, the local authority said: "The commissioners considered the proposals for a new visitor entrance hub at the Laxey Wheel site and have resolved to object to the application.

"It is the view of members that the design and quality of the proposed structure is not appropriate for a site of such cultural importance.

"The board will be requesting that MNH bring forward a new proposal that more appropriately respects the heritage of the Laxey Wheel in terms of both construction materials and design."

Manx National Heritage has been contacted for a response.

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