There has been a call to suspend a developer from working on land it owns in the Farmhill and Saddlestone areas of Douglas.

That is the belief of a residents group opposing proposals by Heritage Homes for a 21-home development in the area.

Although planners turned down the application on environmental grounds earlier this month, the developer owns the land and staff have been on site carrying out clearing work.

However, nearby residents feel that’s inappropriate as the land is home to a number of protected habitats.

Group spokesman, Bill Mullarkee, says it’s time to stop accepting repeat applications for the land: (first audio clip)

Meanwhile, Director of the Manx Wildlife Trust, Duncan Bridges, has looked at the site twice in the past week.

He says there have been significant changes (second audio clip)

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has confirmed it has visited the site and is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the land is properly protected through existing legislation.

Heritage Homes has stressed it is doing housekeeping and land management and nothing contrary to the ecology of the site.

It also says it is acting as a responsible land owner and while aware that part of the site is a wetland area, it is protecting that accordingly.

The Company has requested an appeal.