Braddan Commissioners 'not interested' in boundary extension by Douglas Council

The city authority is looking to take on the Ballafletcher Road development amongst others

Braddan Commissioners says its 'not interested' in a boundary extension put forward by Douglas Council. 

The parish authority had met with representatives from the council saying they would like to take on four areas of Braddan - including the future 300 house Ballafletcher Road housing estate and Vicarage Road.

During yesterday's public meeting, Commissioner John Quaye said the idea is 'garbage' and wouldn't provide 'any benefits' to residents of Braddan.

He added that Douglas Council should look at Onchan because they have 'big parks' and have 'more synergy' with each other. 

Mr Quaye also said that it's 'nothing more' than a 'land grab'.

As part of the potential deal, the commissioners would get back roughly 50 houses from an estate previously taken on by the council from Braddan. 

Commissioner Andrew Morgan said: "The difficulty we have is, I feel our job is to protect the interests of the people of Braddan and for the people of this parish their rates will only go up.

"We already know how the people of Braddan feel when the rates go up".

The local authority said that a decision made now could be changed by the next board of commissioners after April's election - and a new council could also scrap the idea. 

Chair Andrew Jessopp said there was potential to work with the council on other matters including social housing and on joint committees. 

Douglas Council has been approached for comment.