The case for extending the boundary of Port Erin so the village will embrace the whole of the new development at Ballakilley is being compiled by the local authority.
The development straddles the boundary of Port Erin and Rushen parish, meaning different rates (around four times greater on the Port Erin side), refuse and street lighting times, which the former authority said is anomalous.
The parish authority disagrees and said it copes with boundary issues elsewhere, also rate income from Ballakilley houses in the parish will help to finance the recreational land which is associated with the development.
The Department of Infrastructure wrote it is preparing a draft order for consideration by the Attorney General’s chambers. The department must also consult affected authorities and asked for evidence, including: ‘That the promoters’ area and the areas sought are really one community; that there is community of interest in all or most public services, social agencies … and communal requirements of the future; that the area sought is an overspill or outgrowth of the promoters’ area; and that the balance of advantage lies in the acceptance of the scheme, though it may generally be admitted that the area sought may be valuable in various ways to the local authority by whom they are now governed.’
The department will include Port Erin’s response in a letter to Rushen Parish commissioners asking for the parish authority’s views. Then there will be an inquiry.