DOI comments after 'arts and therapy space' occupier left 'heartbroken'

Work undertaken without permission, says Public Estates and Housing Team

The Department of Infrastructure has commented after the occupier of a building near Derbyhaven - intended to become an 'arts and therapy space' - said he was left 'heartbroken' by officers.

Photographer Steve Babb took to social media this week to explain how he'd been told the department was to 'pull the plug' on his project; a community space he says he's spent thousands of pounds on.

The video in question has been viewed more than 24 thousand times and attracted comments from some of the Island's MHKs promising to look into the situation.

In response, the Department of Infrastructure told Manx Radio: 'A property manager and two members of the commercial team from the Department of Infrastructure’s Public Estates and Housing team this week attended Ronaldsway Farm Buildings, a commercial property owned and managed by the Isle of Man Government near Derbyhaven.

'The meeting had been arranged with the occupier to discuss maintenance issue at the premises, including the condition of the windows. It was also regarded as an opportunity to discuss the lease, which was still not in place.

'Once inside, the following issues became clear to the officers present: signage had been ignored; access had been gained to areas of the building that had been deemed unsafe and therefore locked; work had been undertaken without consultation with the Department; and that this work required urgent inspection.

'The Public Estates and Housing team is now in the process of engaging with the occupier to arrange access to the building to inspect, certify and rectify, if required, works undertaken by the occupier.'

In an update posted since the original video was uploaded, Mr Babb says he's been overwhelmed by the amount of support from members of the public but believes his plans and efforts to be 'up in smoke':