Proposals for the first phase of development on the Crossag Farm site in Ballasalla will be on public display this week.

Feedback is being sought on the plans, which show the construction of 35 affordable homes as part of the proposed Government project.

A presentation, including an indicative outline masterplan for the remainder of the 31-acre site, will be available to view at Malew Parish Commissioners Village Hall in Mill Road, Ballasalla, between 2pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 23 September.

Officers from the Department of Infrastructure’s Housing Division and members of the design team will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions.

The presentation will give people an opportunity to see what phase one of the development would look like, as well as providing further information about highway access, landscaping and drainage.

The proposals for the land at Crossag Farm reflect the policies outlined in the Area Plan for the South. Any future development on the site, including a new primary school, will be influenced by local demand.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘These plans are aimed at supporting the village of Ballasalla in a carefully managed and sustainable way. It is our intention to bring forward schemes that reflect the needs of the local community. I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the presentation and provide their views to the Department.’

Chris Thomas MHK, Member of the Department with responsibility for Housing, added: 'Everyone needs a home in the community in which they live. The initial phase of the proposed Crossag Farm scheme focuses on the construction of affordable homes. If the village continues to grow, there is also space on this site for a new primary school.’

Subject to public feedback, the Department intends submitting a planning application for phase one of the development before the end of October. This features the construction of 8 two-bed apartments, 16 two-bed houses and 11 three-bed houses, with associated parking and drainage, on a 4.1-acre site that extends from Douglas Road to the Ronaldsburn stream. The scheme also incorporates access via a new distributor road and a new controlled junction on the A5 adjacent to the site.

Transport, environmental, visual impact and ecological assessments have been carried out and the architects have designed a scheme that reflects the character and qualities of the historic heart of the village. Existing hedgerows and trees will be retained wherever possible to ensure the development blends into its rural setting and to give it the feel of being an established community.