Reprieve for home builder

A Maughold man who says he and his family need to live in a portacabin while his house is being built has been given a six month reprieve.

Maughold commissioners appealed against a planning decision to allow him to keep the temporary accommodation at Cardle Chapel in Corony.

They said the building would be a visual blot on the landscape, and allowing it might set a precedent in future.

A planning inspector says it can now be kept it there while work continues – but only for six months.

Jason Roberts reports:

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Planning inspector David Ward said the temporary structure would undoubtedly harm the character of the landscape.

He said it lay within an area of high landscape value and scenic significance and so should not be allowed to stay indefinitely.

He recommended the portacabin be left in place for six months and then removed.

DLGE Minister John Shimmin agreed, and dismissed the commissioners’ appeal.