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Department puts the record straight 18 July 2007 The Department for Local Government and the Environment has strongly refuted allegations made by the Chairman of the Ballasalla and District Residents Association (BADRA), Mr. David Allsebrook, regarding the recent Planning Inquiry into the proposed Crossag Farm Development at Ballasalla. Mr. Allsebrook accused the Department of introducing new information at the Inquiry which he claimed should have been disclosed prior to the Inquiry and as a result BADRA had not had time to assess the information. When their initial request for a deferment was rejected BADRA walked out of the Inquiry. The Department wishes to make it clear that the documentation circulated at the Inquiry was mostly a written version of the oral evidence to be given by Counsel and witnesses for the Department and was in fact offered in a spirit of openness to assist those attending the Inquiry who would otherwise have to have taken copious notes. Other information referred to in the documentation which may have been regarded as “new” by BADRA related to matters connected to the All-Island Strategic Plan which received Tynwald approval on the day of the Inquiry. The relevant extracts and studies relating to the Plan have been in the public domain since April this year and were readily available to BADRA and their advisers. Minister, John Shimmin, MHK, stated, “I am disappointed that our well-intentioned actions have been misinterpreted by BADRA and should also point out that the Inquiry has now been adjourned to allow parties additional time to consider the Strategic Plan and not any additional new information introduced by the Department”. More stories >>>
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