February 2019

The recent planning application lodged for a temporary compound for use during the prom refurbishment has been approved for a period of 2 years.  A further application has been submitted by the DoI for car parking for 51 cars on the seaward side of the site (see left of photo above where digger is situated) to compensate for loss of parking on the prom during the refurb (App No 19/00119/B). With concern for the businesses losing custom on the north end of prom during the refurb Ms Bettison asked Mr Harmer if some of the spaces could be used for short-term parking so those wishing to park and walk into town would not “get there and find that 51 spaces have been sucked up with a £1 charge by people who are not going to be returning to their vehicles until 6pm”.  Mr Harmer replied he would not give any “cast iron” pledges.  IoM Examiner of 12/2/19.
Q. When is a public care park paid for by taxpayers not a public car park?
A. When it’s for use of office workers on Onchan Head.

January 2019

The DoI have now received tenders for development of the site, to date no decision has been made public as to the successful bid.  The Minister (Mr Harmer) has written to give assurance that the importance of the site and the tragedy is fully recognised, mixed use schemes could form part of any proposal, and the Department’s wish is for some form of memorial to be included in any adopted scheme and their view is that a suitable commemoration should be incorporated with any development plans.

November 2018

The above photo was taken in early November 2018 without plans submitted or approval given for work completed for laying of water, electric, telecoms and hardstanding for containers/officers and public parking along the seaward side to mitigate for loss of parking on the prom during refurbishment.   Only after my enquiries of the Planning Department plans were then submitted by the DoI (PA 18/01272/B) dated 3 December 2018 for creation of temporary works compound to be used for Douglas prom refurbishment.

May 2018

On 29th May 2018 planning permission (App No 17/01067/B) for the Department of Infrastructure to provide a temporary facility for stabling of tram horses for a period of 5 years was Refused after Appeal for the following reason:  “The proposed development would have an unacceptably adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area, contrary to environment Policy 35 and General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, with no overriding need or other material consideration to justify the development for the temporary period sought.”

January 2018

 

The Summerland site today is in the ownership of the Isle of Man Government, derelict for 12 years and for sale for 10 years until January 2018 when it was taken off the market.  Having met with Mr Gawne MHK to discuss my proposal for a commemorative space prior to his unsuccessful re-election, then continued with Ray Harmer MHK the newly elected representative, Ms Clare Bettison MHK and Mr Tim Baker MHK to put forward my proposal for a permanent commemorative space, and was given assurance this would be taken forward.

Mr Harmer tells me he has received expressions of interest, these are being progressed and one of these options includes for a memorial space in the development.  Meanwhile, planning permission was sought (PA No 17/01067/B) for tram horse stabling on the Aquadrome car park side of the site, accessing from the MER depot side traversing the Summerland site.  Since demolition in 2006 and a survey in 2008 the site has been known as dangerous resulting in part of the Aquadrome left in situ to provide stability.  I lodged an objection to the plans on the basis of public safety and the access on the MER side rather than the Terminus Tavern side where historically thousands of people have entered to access the Aquadrome and Summerland.  The Dept of Infrastructure then commissioned a geotechnical report to ascertain the status of the cliffs but this was not lodged with the application for public viewing.   Planning permission was granted in January 2018 with no conditions imposed for stabilising the cliff face prior to work being carried out.  In relation to my objection and concerns over public safety the planning inspector’s report (which forms part of the planning committee report) simply states:  ‘appropriate actions will be adopted prior to any works commencing on site’.

Going forward, this site of almost 3 acres could provide many uses – cultural, heritage, educational, vintage transport and tourist related facilities which could enhance the lives of island residents and visitors. With other options now being discussed between interested parties and the DOI, I believe this may be the only chance we have of incorporating onto this site a permanent memorial space in memory of all those killed.

The events surrounding the fire have not been forgotten on the Isle of Man. I hope generations to come will also know the full facts surrounding it.