Garff Commissioners object to new plans for Laxey Wheel visitor hub

The local authority discussed it along with other matters at its latest public meeting

Garff Commissioners have decided not to support Manx National Heritage’s planning application for a new visitor hub at The Laxey Wheel.

It was a debate held over from last month, when the board agreed to visit the site and meet with the organisation.

Commissioner Stuart Clague said he was ‘dead against’ the new building.

He added that people visiting on a coach tour will walk up the hill, take a photo of the wheel from the car park and then wait to go back.

Mr Clague also said the old hut should stay, and MNH should build a staff room next to the proposed toilet block.

He told the board it was ‘important’ the development is ‘right’.

Fellow commissioner Julie Pinson agreed with him, saying the board shouldn’t accept the design because the organisation doesn’t have the money for anything else.

She said the decision should be based on the application alone.

Chair of Garff Commissioners Stan Ryzak said the local authority can’t raise money for the organisation but said they can support them.

He added that MNH wants to put a shop on the site and that there is one on every other site ‘less important’ than the wheel.

Commissioners Stuart Clague, Julie Pinson, Jamie Smith and Melanie Christian voted against the supporting the application.

Commissioners Stan Ryzak and Marinda Fargher voted to support, whilst Commissioner Tim Kenyon abstained.

The commissioners declined to comment further on the issue.

Also on the agenda was an update about the Northern Civic Amenity Site, which is due to close at the end of this month.

NCAS board member Stan Ryzak said the committee hadn’t been given ‘all the information’ it should have been at the correct time.

He also said he’s unsure about the future of the site.

However, Mr Ryzak did confirm that there wouldn’t be any rate rebates or refunds given out to residents in Maughold who would be affected by the decisions.

Clerk Martin Royle said there aren’t any ‘mechanisms’ in place for the local authority to be able to do this.

A dolphin statue will be installed on Laxey Promenade for the summer months.

It’s being donated by a resident and was purchased as part of the Hospice Isle of Man auction.

The board agreed to put a plaque alongside it with a dedication and an explanation of the artist's intention.

Garff Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday, 2 April.