Former quarry site to be used for railway storage

Plans for an industrial facility at a former quarry in the south of the Isle of Man to be used for railway storage have been backed.

Under the proposals, the old Turkeyland Quarry on Balthane Road would see the use of the site changed from a concrete block manufacturing plant.

The proposals by the Department of Infrastructure include a rail bending machine, which will be located on an existing concrete pad.

New facilities will also feature a toilet, plant room, changing area, canteen and meeting space for those using the site.

Under the proposals, fencing would be erected on the boundary of the site for security.

The planning officer who recommended approval of the proposals said the development would "not give rise to any unacceptable impacts upon the character or appearance of the landscape or highway safety".

The proposal was "acceptable" and had "regard to the historic use of the site and surrounding area", the officer added.

At the planning committee's latest meeting, Matthew Warren said the site was an "eyesore" that "needed to be screened from people walking by", while Adele Bettridge raised concerns about the fencing not being secure enough.

Chairman Rob Callister said the government should be "leading the way" in showing how to keep a site clean.

Despite the criticism of the current site, the plans were unanimously approved by the committee.

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