Latest news with #PeterWhiteway
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New visitor hub at Laxey Wheel gets approval
Plans to demolish the existing entrance kiosk and replace it with a modern visitor hub at a Victorian water wheel have been approved. The larger visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel is set to be used to exhibit the history of the site and provide a sheltered space for groups of visitors. Planning committee member Peter Whiteway said the new hub would be "functional" and although it "could be prettier" it would serve the purpose needed. In its application, Manx National Heritage argued the current facility, which was designed for one person rather than the current three-person team, was "totally inadequate" and offered "cramped and cold" conditions. The existing kiosk also "offers a very poor visitor experience" as there was "no internal space" to provide information or for a retail area, rendering it "not fit for purpose". Built in 1854, the 72ft (22m) diameter wheel is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the world. Known as the Lady Isabella, the Victorian wheel was originally used in mining. Recommending the plans for approval, the planning officer's report said the proposal would not impact the appearance of the conservation area, and a modern development could provide a "good distinction between new and old". In his submission to the committee, clerk of Garff Commissioners Martin Royle said some members of the local authority, which had objected to the proposals, had had difficulty with the design of the structure. But he said the development could lead to more people discovering the landmark. Last year, Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the sire after backlash over its appearance. Key changes under the revised scheme were the colour and location of the building. Committee member Helen Hughes said she was "unsure about the design" although she understood staff needed more space. She said while it was an "improvement" on the original proposal it still looked like a portable cabin, but fellow committee member Adele Bettridge noted that there were no toilets within the facility. The committee was told Manx National Heritage said the lifespan of the facility would be 15 to 20 years. The plans were approved with six member in favour and one against. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Views sought on Laxey Wheel visitor hub plans New Laxey Wheel plans to be shared after backlash Plans for new entrance hub at Laxey Wheel pulled Commissioners object to Laxey Wheel entrance plans Historian slams plans for new Laxey Wheel entrance Plans for new visitor entrance at Laxey Wheel Great Laxey Wheel turns again after two years Planninc Committee Agenda Planning Application Manx National Heritage
BBC News
09-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
New visitor hub at Laxey Wheel gets planning committee approval
Plans to demolish the existing entrance kiosk and replace it with a modern visitor hub at a Victorian water wheel have been larger visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel is set to be used to exhibit the history of the site and provide a sheltered space for groups of committee member Peter Whiteway said the new hub would be "functional" and although it "could be prettier" it would serve the purpose its application, Manx National Heritage argued the current facility, which was designed for one person rather than the current three-person team, was "totally inadequate" and offered "cramped and cold" conditions. The existing kiosk also "offers a very poor visitor experience" as there was "no internal space" to provide information or for a retail area, rendering it "not fit for purpose". Built in 1854, the 72ft (22m) diameter wheel is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the as the Lady Isabella, the Victorian wheel was originally used in mining. Recommending the plans for approval, the planning officer's report said the proposal would not impact the appearance of the conservation area, and a modern development could provide a "good distinction between new and old".In his submission to the committee, clerk of Garff Commissioners Martin Royle said some members of the local authority, which had objected to the proposals, had had difficulty with the design of the he said the development could lead to more people discovering the landmark. Last year, Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the sire after backlash over its changes under the revised scheme were the colour and location of the member Helen Hughes said she was "unsure about the design" although she understood staff needed more said while it was an "improvement" on the original proposal it still looked like a portable cabin, but fellow committee member Adele Bettridge noted that there were no toilets within the facility. The committee was told Manx National Heritage said the lifespan of the facility would be 15 to 20 years. The plans were approved with six member in favour and one against. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
01-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Replacement mobile classroom at Ballasalla Primary School backed
Plans for a double mobile classroom at a primary school in the south of the Isle of Man to accommodate growing pupil numbers have been the plans a portable cabin would house two classrooms and toilet facilities at Ballasalla Primary School to replace the existing community cabin units on the application replaces approval last year for a single classroom, to include a space for pupils who require a quiet breakout area away from the classroom for a unit on the site was granted on a permanent basis. In 2017 plans were approved for the reconstruction of the Clagh Vane Estate which replaced 41 homes with 52 2019 plans were approved and construction began on 282 new homes in the Reayrt Mie residential development. 'Temporary structures' The Department for Education, Sports and Culture, which submitted the application, said that given the rising number on roll and the specific needs of the school, a double classroom was deemed necessary rather than a single classroom was needed for September, and the school roll had increased steadily from 95 in 2019-20 to 167 in September 2024, with permanent capacity at the school of 131, the application planning officer who recommended its approval said the government seemed to be utilising mobile classrooms "quite a lot", however "we are where we are with funding".While it was "not the preferred option" given the proposed use "where more permanent solutions should be found rather than relying on temporary structures", the proposals were considered "acceptable" in terms of use and visual impact, the planning officer Committee member Peter Whiteway said it was "a shame" there was "such a massive residential development in the area" with a school that was "inadequate" for the comments, the application was approved by the committee. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
