Mobile classrooms approved for QEII

Planning Committee 'disgusted' at timing of application

Plans for a new mobile classroom at QEII High School in Peel have been approved, but the vote amongst the Planning Committee was split.

The education department had requested to put in the temporary facility ahead of the new academic year due to an increase in pupils.

Capacity at the school is 898, and the pupil roll is expected to surpass 900 in September.

As when similar facilities were approved for Ballasalla School last month, members of the planning committee questioned why the plans were being put to them so close to the new school year.

One member described the timing as 'disgusting', claiming it was 'unfair' to put the committee in a place where they felt they couldn't refuse due to necessity.

Three members voted against the plans, three voted for. 

Approval was granted by the committee chair, Onchan MHK Rob Callister.

Manx Radio contacted the education minister for a response. In a statement, Daphne Caine said: "Where possible, the department submits planning applications in plenty of time to allow the committee time to consider the application. In this case, the original application for the provision of the mobile was submitted on 10th May 2024.

 "Planning approval will allow work to progress ensuring that there will be sufficient capacity on the QE2 school site in the next academic year."

You can find the application on the register HERE.