Manxman Billy Redmayne followed illustrious names including Ian Hutchinson, Robert Dunlop, Michael Dunlop, Carl Fogarty, Phillip McCallen and Ryan Farquhar by winning the Manx Grand Prix Newcomers’ title on Tuesday evening.

Redmayne clinched a thrilling victory by 1.8 seconds after a last-lap duel with Malachi Mitchell-Thomas. Shane Egan claimed the final podium place.

It was a double celebration for the Isle of Man with Douglas-based Dean Osborne taking the B title while Felpham’s James Caswell-Cox clinched the Newcomers’ C Race.

Full report in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Wednesday’s Manx Grand Prix schedule is as follows:

9.30am Roads close

10.15am The Mylchreests Junior MGP (four laps)

1.15pm MGP Supporters’ Club SuperTwin/Lightweight MGP (four laps)

3.15pm Senior MGP practice

Roads will open at 5pm, but will then close again between 6 and 9pm if required.

Ramsey Commissioners opened their August meeting by observing a few moments’ silence as a mark of respect for Neil Walker, a fireman in the town, who died in a motorcycle accident at Bulgham Bay on August 6.

Mr Walker’s father, the late Donald Walker, was a long serving member of the commissioners’ outdoor workforce.

Mr Walker’s funeral will take place tomorrow (Thursday).

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/retained-firefighter-s-funeral-to-take-place-next-week-1-6798183|Click here to read our report on that.}

A Peel commissioner hopes to revive the Chamber of Trade and Commerce and is calling for more businesses to get involved.

Among the ideas discussed at their latest meeting were a new boxing club and gym, an open air library, a farmers’ market and a Christmas market.

Peel commissioner Kate Felton said of the latest meeting: ‘Sadly the meeting in July was very poorly attended with only five businesses being represented.

‘While I appreciate people are very busy and have a business to run, I would really appreciate input from traders.

‘At the latest meeting we discussed things like next year’s Peel Day, the re-introduction of a farmers’ market, a Christmas market, an outdoor free library and a new gym or boxing club.’

The next Chamber of Trade and Commerce meeting will be held next Tuesday (September 2) at Peel Town Hall at 2pm and Ms Felton hopes for a better turn-out.

‘In July we had representatives from Filbey’s Bistro, the Quayside Chip Shop, Shoprite, Top2Toe and Green’s Jewellers but if anyone else could send representatives that would be great,’ said Ms Felton.

‘We had some great ideas come from the meeting, people are enthusiastic and keen to do things but it would be nice if more representatives from Peel businesses could attend.

‘We’re also considering holding fundraising nights at the Masonic Hall.

‘Even if you can’t come to the meetings I would love to hear from people with ideas as to how we can attract visitors to Peel to shop here, dine here and boost the economy.

‘You can email me, phone me, speak to me when I’m in your shop or restaurant, or just stop me in the street.

‘My aim is to revive the Chamber of Trade and Commerce so that all businesses in Peel benefit.

‘We’re currently working on a initiative to re-establish a gym or boxing club in Peel in an effort to keep the youth off the streets and maybe help them get rid of their aggression or excess energy in a disciplined way and give them an alternative to drinking and getting up to mischief around the streets of Peel.

‘The location for the club has yet to be confirmed but we do have some places in mind that we’ve been looking into.

‘One location is where the old boxing club run by Jackie Dillon used to be which is above a music studio off Mill Road down past Mac’s builders yard and the commissioners’ workshops.

‘Another location which has been suggested is behind Busy Bears Nursery but I am still pursuing that; I haven’t yet spoken to the gentleman who owns the building.

‘A third location could be next to Western Swimming Pool. I know Kath Andrews (the pool manager) is keen to establish a gym there and if we could combine that with a boxing club, that would be great.

‘I have spoken to quite a few young people and there is a lot of interest in both a gym and boxing club.

‘Something else we’ve been working on is a free outdoor library, possibly outside the Ward Library or on the promenade where people could leave and take books.

‘We’ve been working on this idea with the librarian Gemma Quilliam.

‘We were thinking of using old phone boxes, post boxes or bookcases to house the books.

‘It’s only the early stages yet but these are the sort of ideas we are looking for.’

If you would like to contact Ms Felton you can call her on 254976 or email kathleenmaryfelton@gmail.com

The first woman to win a race in the Manx Grand Prix has given birth to twins.

Carolynn Sells was celebrating again on Wednesday when she had twins, Bobbi Lorraine and Layla Jane.

Bobbi Lorraine arrived at 3.13pm, weighing in at seven pounds and seven ounces, while Layla Jane was born just a minute later, weighing six pounds and five ounces.

Carolynn, 41, lives with her partner, fellow bike racer Roger Maher, 43, in Lower Foxdale and has one other daughter, Rhea, aged two.

She worked at Harrison’s shoe shop in Port Erin but will now be spending her time looking after the new arrivals.

Carolynn first took part in the Grand Prix in 2003 and often competed alongside brother Rob and father, Dave.

In September 2009 she made history by winning the four lap ultra-lightweight event by 62 seconds becoming the first woman to win a race on the Mountain Course.

Sixteen homes can be built on the site of the former Follies Cabaret restaurant, in Onchan.

Planners approved the application (13/00575/B) for the three- and four-bedroom homes with roads and drainage by Trevor McCullough, of Mullinaragher Road, Santon.

The proposal includes demolishing small outbuildings on the site, which has residential properties on three sides of its boundary.

A number of conditions were attached to the approval.

No site works or clearance can take place until protective fencing is in place around trees and landscape areas.

And the development can’t be occupied until the parking and turning areas have been provided.

Mr McCullough applied in May 2013 for 18 two-and three-bedroom houses on the Harbour Road site, once known as Molly’s.

Then in January he submitted amended plans for 16 houses, with associated infrastructure including roads and drainage.

The footprint of the scheme occupies just over 55 per cent of the footprint for a plan for 24 sheltered housing flats approved on appeal in 2008.

The Post Office is cashing in on John McGuinness’s electric bike success at this year’s TT races.

It has unveiled a limited edition gift pack and postcard celebrating his lap record win at this year’s TT Zero race on the Japanese Mugen Shinden, where he claimed his 21st TT victory.

Despite his wrist injury the Morecambe Missile completed the one lap at 117.366 mph with team mate and closest competitor Bruce Anstey as runner up finishing in a comfortable second place and Robert Barbar completing the race in third place.

At the time of winning McGuinness commented on his own performance: ‘That’s not hanging about on a battery. You might like them or you might not like them, but I was riding hard there.’

After two consecutive years of McGuinness being placed second in the all-electric contest,

Honda made significant improvements to the third iteration of its ‘God of Electricity’, the English translation of Shinden, and built not one but two bikes which went on to achieve victory with the all new challenger and contender in the 2014 race.

The limited edition A5 postcard features an action packed photograph of John McGuinness at speed on the Mugen Shinden as he leads the way to victory and on the reverse it has a postmark for June 4, 2014, the date on which he won the race and text from Kyle White about McGuinness’ race win.

The limited edition gift pack includes the A5 postcard which is held in vibrant roll-folded card that has a wealth of images along with a full story about the Mugen and details of the official race results.

These two items are limited to just 2,500 items collectively.

Maxine Cannon, general manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: ‘With John’s wrist injury it seemed that he might not be fit enough to compete at this year’s TT races so we were delighted when he made his debut and won a new lap record at an incredible 117mph in this year’s TT Zero race.

‘In celebration of this magnificent triumph we have issued a very special postcard and gift pack that captures the moment in time and it would make a fantastic addition to any collection of a motorcycle enthusiast.’

The postcard and gift pack is available now from the Regent Street Post Office in Douglas and online from.iomstamps.com. The gift pack is priced at £5 and the postcard £1.50.

Claire Milne, a partner at Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC, has been appointed as a full general member of the International Masters of Gaming Law.

Corporate and Commercial department partner Claire, the Isle of Man team leader for the Intellectual Property & Telecommunications and Technology teams at Appleby, is the first lawyer in private practice in the Isle of Man to gain a full general membership.

IMGL is the pre-eminent global gambling law networking and educational organisation, with a membership of specialists from across many sectors involved in shaping the future of gaming law, including compliance, cross border regulation, legislative affairs and taxation.

It has more than 350 members in 41 countries, including 33 states and territories in the United States.

General membership is by invitation only to professionals who have distinguished themselves as having at least five years of gaming law experience, demonstrated skills or knowledge that distinguish their performance as a gaming lawyer, have a substantial gaming clientele and have participated in philanthropic, charitable or educational programmes related to the gaming industry.

Claire specialises in advising e-business and telecoms companies and also advises on data protection and outsourcing issues.

From 2007 to 2012, she was Chairman of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, the body that grants licences and regulates e-gaming on the island, and is regarded internationally as a leading figure in the field.

She said: ‘Being invited to become a general member of IMGL is a great honour, and also recognition of the high quality of the work done by Appleby within the gaming industry.

‘IMGL is an international organisation which is at the forefront of gaming law, giving members the opportunity to draw on their collective experience to not only be at the cutting edge of developments in gaming law developments worldwide, but also to help shape those developments.’

Police are investigating damage caused to two vehicles in the Lamb Hill Estate at Bride.

The damage is believed to have happened between August 18 and 19.

Both vehicles were scratched along the side and in one case the front and back of the vehicle.

Anyone who has any information or witnessed anything suspicious, is being asked to contact Ramsey police station on 812234 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

There was laughter tinged with sadness as more than 400 people took part in an emotional Relay for Life around the National Sports Centre.

The 24-hour relay started at midday on Saturday with a lap of honour by cancer survivors and patients.

Teams of between eight and 15 people took part in a range of themed laps including Hawaiian, ‘Superheroes fight back’, rock stars through the ages and a pink and purple conga.

Among those taking part were friends and family of Lucy Callow, who lost her battle against cancer earlier this month at the age of just 20.

Lucy, who married her sweetheart Nick Callow last year in a moving ceremony at her hospital bedside at Noble’s Hospital, took part that same year in the fourth annual Relay for Life event.

On Saturday, there was a chance to find out more about Cancer Research UK at an awareness stand run by one of the charity’s senior research nurses, Sarah Peach.

As the sun set, there was an emotional candle of hope ceremony, where people gathered to pay tribute to those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

The target was to raise £65,000 for Cancer Research UK. All the funds raised in the Isle of Man go directly to cancer research in centres that treat Isle of Man-based patients.

The island event was one of more than 6,000 relays that took place worldwide for Cancer Research UK.

Last year, 33 teams took part here, smashing a £50,000 target to raise more than £63,000.

For two pages of photos, see this week’s Isle of Man Examiner. It’s in the shops now.

Seagulls are becoming a serious problem in Ramsey.

Last month (July), the commissioners received three separate complaints from members of the public who sustained injuries to the head in attacks by the birds in the vicinity of Parliament Square and Taubman Street.

Commissioner Alex Allinson told the monthly board meeting: ‘It is a very real problem, especially in the breeding season when the birds get very territorial.

‘We live in a seaside town and they are, after all, seagulls, but people should be discouraged from feeding them.’

Commissioner Graham Jones suggested that a leaflet should be distributed to every household, with the message that people should not feed them – or do anything that may attract them.

‘It’s not just about feeding the seagulls, it’s making sure that waste bins are emptied and food is not left out for them,’ he added.

Last week it was reported in our sister paper the Manx Independent that ducklings were rescued from Silver-dale lake after they became targets for seagulls.

Newly formed Manx football team Governor’s Athletic have taken part in the latest craze sweeping the internet, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

The team took on the challenge, raising £100 for Hospice Isle of Man, which looks after patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on the island.

The challenge involves participants getting a bucket of ice cold water tipped over their head while being filmed and then nominating other people to take the same challenge.

A host of celebrities have joined in and taken a soaking, including Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Cruise, Usain Bolt, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham, Steven Spielberg, Alex Salmond, Bill Gates and even former president George W Bush.

Bush even joked he did not think it was presidential to be splashed with water before his wife, Laura, tipped a bucket of water over him.

Current president Barack Obama has been one of the few people to so far decline the challenge, preferring to donate money.

The idea has been traced back to Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, whose career was cut short after he developed MND.

In 2013, he challenged several Boston Red Sox players to the ice bucket treatment to raise money and awareness for the condition – individuals can either accept the challenge, or donate an agreed sum to charity (usually $100).

Among the people in the island to take part last week were advocate {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/ice-bucket-challenge-reaches-the-island-1-6801184|James Quinn} and 3FM boss Ron Berry.

Arbroath’s Andy Lawson won a dramatic Junior Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday morning, beating impressive Manx newcomer Billy Redmayne to the chequered flag by 12.028 seconds.

The 23-year-old Scotsman played second fiddle to early pacesetter Rob Hodson for the first half of the four-lap race, but disaster then struck for the latter as he pitted at the end of the second circuit.

Hodson’s crew picked up a fuel line that was connected to an empty filler and the Yamaha man’s 12-second lead evaporated as more than a minute was lost as the problem was realised and resolved.

Suzuki-mounted Lawson picked up the pieces to build up a comfortable lead at the head of the field initally from New Zealander Michael Moulai who had shone on his ZX-6R Kawasaki in practice.

It was, however, Tuesday evening’s Newcomers A race winner Redmayne that would soon become Lawson’s nearest rival, closing the gap from 20.6 seconds at Ramsey on lap three to just over 12 at the finish.

Moulai was forced to retire at the Crosby Hotel on lap four, promoting Martin Bullock Motorsport rider Andrew Farrell up to the third place he would hold at the 150.23-mile race’s conclusion.

Hodson produced a gutsy recovery to finish a further 13 seconds down in fourth with Andrew Soar and Czech rider Kamil Holan fifth and sixth. Italian newcomer Marco Pagni was an impressive seventh, just ahead of island-based pair Glenn Harrison and Paul Smyth. Callum Collister was 18th and Santon’s Carl Roberts 22nd.

Fuller report in Thursday’s Manx Indpendent.

The managing director of Hartford Homes has praised the hard-working team of people who have brought a flagship £8million development to fruition.

James Greenhalgh, of the Isle of Man based family-owned and family-run company said: ‘This has been a real team effort.

‘I have nothing but praise for everyone involved in this project.’

He was standing inside one of the nine new homes in Windsor House which commands outstanding views over Port Erin Bay.

The complex has been built on the site of the former Port Erin International Hotel School which was also called Windsor House.

As Business News was given a guided tour of the premises, Windsor House’s first occupant appeared.

Village personality John Bethell MBE, chairman and director of the Erin Arts Centre, has already moved in. His apartment is just a stone’s throw from the world-famous centre.

Dr Bethell told Business News he believes the development fits in nicely with the village.

He said: ‘I am a musician and I have told people that if Puccini could write operas then Hartford Homes can build homes. I am very happy here.’

He is full of praise for the developers saying they cannot have been more helpful in developing his new home to his tastes.

And he was very impressed with the way it was arranged for his piano to be lifted by crane into his new home.

Mr Greenhalgh said a mixture of island folk and people from the UK have snapped up homes which start from £749,000.

At the time of meeting Mr Greenhalgh eight of the nine luxury homes, including the penthouse, had been sold and he was confident the last home would be snapped up soon.

Mr Greenhalgh, who is based at Middle River, Douglas, revealed he picks up ideas for homes from his travels to places including London and Manhattan.

He points out the custom made kitchen which he says has a Manhattan feel.

Walking round the show apartment he said: ‘We had a very successful opening weekend with lots of very positive feedback’. The new homes will give residents every opportunity to enjoy the amazing views. Mr Greenhalgh said: ‘It’s almost a crime to put in small windows when you have such spectacular views.

‘When people are sat here they want to see the view. It’s all location, location, location.

‘The views are second to none.’ Mr Greenhalgh says the apartments are bigger in floor space than many houses.

He said the finishing touches are now being put to the developement. Each apartment has all the latest technology including wifi distribution.

Wednesday, August 27 (KOs 6.30pm)

JCK Division Two

Castletown v Braddan

Douglas Royal v Douglas Athletic

Marown v Pulrose Utd

Governor’s Athletic v Douglas and District

RYCOB v Foxdale

Canada Life Combination One

Ramsey v Ayre United

Laxey v DHSOB

Peel v Michael United

Gymns v St John’s United

St George v St Mary’s

James Neesom took the honours in the Manx Grand Prix Supporters Club SuperTwin race on Wednesday afternoon.

The Hunmanby man and his Kawasaki ER6 won the four-lap race by 28.876 seconds from Andrew Farrell and Manxman Callum Collister who came third, a further 32.644s down on Farrell.

Bad luck struck early leader Rob Hodson once again.

After missing out on victory in the day’s earlier Junior MGP after a problem in the pits, the Wigan man ran out of fuel at Hillberry when heading toward the pit stop at the end of the second lap.

Gary Gittins then took up the mantle, but he came off at Ballagarey on the fourth and final lap when 11 seconds ahead. He was reported to be conscious at the scene.

Neesom, who had been second for most of the race, was elevated to first spot as a result, a position he held to the finish.

After the race the 23-year-old said: ‘I’m surprised I’ve won. The wind meant I’ve struggled to get into top gear all race.

‘I just got my head down and kept it neat.’

Farrell said he was chuffed with his third MGP podium after finishing third in the Junior: ‘I’m delighted with that - today’s been epic.’

Collister revealed he had hoped for a higher finish: ‘This was my main race of the week and I thought I had a good chance, but I haven’t had enough time on the bike.

‘I’ve got to be happy with third though.’ Added the Martin Bullock Motorsport rider.

Warren Verwey finished fourth, Ben Rea fifth and Douglas’s Dean Osbourne sixth, the day after the Manxman won the Newcomers B race.

In the concurrently run Lightweight contest Mick Jordan won by 10.422s from Gavin Lupton.

Filling the third and final podium place was Dan Hobson.

Sulby’s Dave Corlett came home fifth, 44 seconds behind Rikki McGovern in fourth.

Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence are the island’s premier awards – the ones everyone wants to win. This year’s Awards Night will take place on November 20 at the Villa Marina and build-up has already started…

The sponsors for the 16 awards categories have been chosen and entries are now being invited.

The categories include Company of the Year, Small Enterprise of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Public Sector Achievement. There are opportunities for companies, individuals, public sector teams, and charitable and cultural organisations to enter.

The judges’ brief is simple: they are looking for entries which demonstrate excellence, passion and going above and beyond the everyday.

Trudi Williamson, deputy chairman of Isle of Man Newspapers, said: ‘The awards began in 2006 because we at Isle of Man Newspapers were very well aware of the diversity of talent and entrepreneurship that there is on our island and we wanted to celebrate that.

‘Over the years since, we have been delighted that so many people have supported the awards and we continue to be inspired by the stories of achievement that the awards bring to our attention each year.

‘Winners of Awards for Excellence are not necessarily the big, high profile organisations you might expect: every year you will see winners coming from small enterprises you may never have heard of before, or previously unsung heroes making a difference with their voluntary contribution to the community.

‘I would urge anyone who has a story of achievement and excellence to tell to enter this year’s awards.’

Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence also supports the aims of the government to encourage growth and diversity in the island’s economy.

Welcoming the launch of this year’s awards, Chief Minister Allan Bell said:

the launch of this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence...

‘This unique event, honouring business, community and individual achievements, illustrates perfectly how the success of our island has come about through enthusiasm, passion and a commitment to achieving excellence.

‘The many generous businesses that sponsor the Awards for Excellence should be commended for their enduring faith in the Isle of Man and for supporting this opportunity to recognise the achievements of many talented, enthusiastic and committed people in our community.

‘The qualities they celebrate are vital if we are to fulfil some of the key aims in government’s Agenda for Change: to grow and further diversify the economy; to ensure that it remains resilient to external pressures, and to provide good quality job opportunities for our community.

‘I would wish to encourage as many entries as possible in all categories, but especially in the Freedom to Flourish Award, which allows entrants to demonstrate the way the island, as a land of possibilities, has allowed people – and businesses – to reach their full potential.

‘I am always pleased to see entries from the public sector, recognising the excellent job our public servants are doing in challenging conditions. I know the judges are consistently impressed by the way public sector entries demonstrate how the imaginative use of time and resources enables teams to continue to offer a high standard of service in spite of budget cuts. In many cases, the Manx public might have no idea of these achievements were it not for the Awards and the publicity they generate.’

Have You Entered Yt?

Entries are now open for this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence. There are sixteen awards including categories for companies, individuals, public sector teams and charitable and cultural organisations.

This year’s Awards Night takes place at the Villa on Thursday November 20.

You will find details and entry forms at www.iomtoday.co.im. Entries close On Friday, September 26.

Inspector Darrill Pearson has assumed responsibility for the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team.

He is already the inspector heading up the Western and Southern Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Inspector Pearson takes over in the north from Inspector Stuart Gardner, who has returned to police headquarters.

Inspector Pearson has been a police officer for 23 years, the first eight of which were served with the Metropolitan Police service in London’s East End.

He joined the Isle of Man Constabulary in 1999 and has a broad base of experience, including detective work.

After leading the Western Neighbourhood Policing Team for 18 months, he was appointed to the southern team this April and has now assumed responsibility for the north.

Inspector Pearson said he looked forward to forging productive working relations with the commissioners and will aim to deliver ‘local solutions to tailored to meet the identified needs of the communities of the north’.

He told them he was committed to the neighbourhood policing model.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/any-more-cuts-to-the-manx-police-could-endanger-public-safety-says-chief-1-6681478|Chief Constable Gary Roberts announced police cuts in June}

Steven Quayle, the only Isle of Man qualified lawyer to be selected by clients and peers to appear in the annual ‘International Who’s Who of Aviation Lawyers’ directory has been appointed an additional divisional director within the corporate department of Cains Advocates Ltd.

Described as an ‘associate to watch’ in prestigious legal bible Chambers UK directory, Steven’s practice focuses on cross border asset finance matters, particularly aviation and shipping.

Richard Vanderplank, a director of the Isle of Man based law and professional services group said: ‘Steven has made a significant contribution to the continuing development of Cains’ cross border asset finance practice.

‘In particular, he has played a key role in the creation and rapid expansion of our aviation and aviation finance practice.

‘Steven is now recognised internationally as one of the Isle of Man’s leading aviation lawyers and he regularly speaks at conferences on aviation and aviation finance.

‘I am delighted that his contribution to the Group and his wider achievements have been recognised by his appointment as a divisional director.’

A Castletown resident has expressed disbelief after the minister responsible for planning overruled the recommendation of two reports and approved the development of a new estate near Castletown.

Permission in principle for a residential development of up to seven houses at Netherby, on Douglas Road in Malew, was approved on August 14 following an appeal.

Permission was granted by Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK despite two planning reports that each recommended the application was refused.

Neil Walls, a resident of Brookfield Avenue in Castletown whose home adjoins the Netherby site, said: ‘I’m beginning to wonder if there is any point in having a planning and building control system when a Minister can effectively overrule and disregard a conclusive recommendation formulated by an independent planning inspector.’

Netherby is a one hectare plot adjoining Brookfield Avenue, which is diagonally opposite the Manx Aviation and Military Museum.

It retained its designation as ‘open space’ in the Area Plan for the South, approved by Tynwald in 2013, and was not designated for development. The area is considered to be part of the ‘Green Gap’, intended to separate Castletown from business park areas.

Netherby’s owner Philip Richards submitted an application in March for permission in principle for the redevelopment of the plot to create an estate of up to 20 residential properties.

The application was refused in part because any development would undermine the Southern Area Plan.

In her report, senior planning officer Sarah Corlett said that ‘to approve development which would be contrary to such a recently adopted plan would undermine the provisions of the plan and the weight which can be afforded to it.’

In a second report following an appeal, planning inspector Alan Langton agreed with the original finding.

He concluded: ‘As things stand, the appeal development is contrary to the development plan, development there in isolation would be harmful, and a decision contrary to the Plan is not warranted by the present circumstances.’

Mr Langton’s report also suggested a series of conditions should the Minister choose to disagree and approve the development, including a limit of seven properties.

Mr Gawne granted permission in principle, with these conditions, on August 14. A letter explaining the decision cited Mr Langton’s report which stated that the Area Plan does not absolutely discount future development in the Green Gap, and agreed with Malew Parish Commissioners’ suggestion that a maximum of seven plots should be approved.

Mr Walls expressed astonishment at the decision: ‘I am reminded of the Emperor Caligula exacting a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”, depending on the phase of the moon.’

‘This action undermines the central tenet of the plan, which is to deliver a comprehensive legal framework for future development.’

He continued: ‘It also sets a dangerous precedent, as any individual who owns a large garden in the countryside which is classified as ‘open space’ can effectively apply for a development order.

‘In my view this decision is nothing less than a blatant disregard both for the Area Plan for the South as ratified by Tynwald and ordinary members of the voting public.’