Anger with plans to site probation, bail and after care hostel in Braddan

Local residents have reacted angrily to the announcement that Middle MHK, and Minister for the Dept of Home Affairs, Martyn Quayle is backing plans for the development of a site, on the New Castletown Road, as a replacement for David Grey House.

The Manx Herald has learned that Mr Quayle, MHK for the area, hadn’t even informed the Braddan Parish Commissioners, let alone consulted with residents, prior to the planning application, for approval in principle, being made public.

Residents on learning of the application, who needless to say have concerns about the plan, naturally expected to get support from their constituency MHK. However, they were astounded to learn that Mr Quayle has been in secret negotiations with the Salvation Army for over half a year; and has apparently made a personal pledge to back the proposal.

Supporting documentation for the proposal states, “Following extensive dialogue with the Home Affairs Minister (Mr Quayle) …….. the preferred option is currently to provide a new facility on land adjacent to Ballakinnish House, Richmond Hill …… This represents a very positive opportunity for TSA in light of …….. the pledge that the Home Affairs Minister will provide operational funding of the facility from the Manx Government.”

Braddan Commissioners deferred making a decision, on whether to support or oppose the proposal, at their last meeting to allow them more time to consider the supporting information.

Local residents have made it clear that they will be objecting to the proposal and they will be getting the support of Braddan Commissioner, Andrew Jessopp.

Mr Jessopp informed the Manx Herald of his utter dismay at how this proposal was made public. “I am also thoroughly disgusted that Mr Quayle didn’t have the decency to personally consult or at least inform the Commissioners and residents,” he said.

He continued, “This is another example of the arrogance some of our elected National representatives show to Local Authorities and the public; and a further example of Government backing plans to push inappropriate development into rural Braddan. I was elected partly on my record of opposition to this type of proposal and I intend to defend that record.”

Mr Jessopp was asked if he had any suggestions for an alternative site, as the supporting documentation states there is a scarcity of alternatives.