Mobile classroom proposed for UCM horticulture compound

Application aims to reduce disruption and improve access for practical lessons

Plans have been submitted to place a mobile classroom within the horticulture compound at University College Isle of Man, as part of efforts to improve teaching facilities for practical courses.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is seeking full planning approval for a mobile unit to be located inside the existing horticulture enclosure at the Homefield Road campus in Douglas.

According to a covering statement submitted with the application, horticulture lessons currently require students to move between the compound and a classroom on the opposite side of the main college building.

It says this results in lost teaching time and increases the risk of mud and debris bring tracked through internal areas during poor weather.

The proposed classroom would be used for horticulture and services-to-business courses, including pesticide application training, and would allow teaching to take place closer to practical work areas.

The applicant says the site has been chosen because it is already enclosed, secure, and contains other horticultural buildings such as sheds, a welfare cabin, and a polytunnel.

Planning documents state there would be no increase in student numbers, staff, parking demand, or traffic movements, and no changes to pedestrian access arrangements.

The application also says the development would not be detrimental to the surrounding area, as it would be located entirely within the existing compound.