Developer's disappointment after Sulby Riverside scheme is rejected

Appeal considered after plans for 200 new homes are halted

Plans for a £40 million redevelopment project in the north of the Island have been rejected by planners.

The planning committee made the decision over the Sulby Riverside project in Ramsey this morning (26 February).

The scheme would have seen around 200 new homes built - along with parks and a pub - on land along the banks of the Sulby River close to the centre of the town.

Nathan Church, of Blythe Church Investment Holdings Ltd, told Manx Radio: "This is disappointing and surprising news given that the site is allocated for development in the Local Plan. 

"We spent three years working tirelessly with a wide range of stakeholders, including planning officers and their colleagues, to arrive at a point where they had recommended the scheme for approval. 

"In their professional view our proposals were policy compliant."

The company adds it will now consider whether or not to lodge an appeal and says it will study the planning committee’s adjudication and decide on next steps in due course.

Last week the developer claimed 'untruths' were being spun about flood risks in the area - it followed a petition arguing that the Poyll Dooey reserve, a salt marsh, should be left untouched.