Playing field building compound plan submitted

Plans to use a playing field in a housing estate as a building compound during the refurbishment of local authority properties have been formally submitted.

Douglas Council has applied for planning permission to create the compound on the playing field between Baldwin Road and Ballanard Road in Douglas.

The proposed site would be operational from 07:30 BST to 18:00 on weekdays, with additional movements in the area between 08:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays.

Campaigners against the scheme have raised concerns over the loss of recreation space, the extent of the noise and disruption posed, bright lighting for the compound, and its impact on local wildlife.

In its application, the local authority said the site would support its "multimillion pound" social housing refurbishment scheme in the Willaston estate.

It said the playing field was the "only alternative area" and the adjacent main road would "drown out" noise from the compound.

The application outlines use of the site for six years, although the Council warns it may need to remain in place for longer while all external refurbishment schemes are completed.

It argues recreation on the site is already "limited" due to wet and muddy ground conditions.

A tree planting scheme was recently completed on the edge of the park along the rear of the houses in Baldwin Road to replace 39 that were felled on safety grounds.

The council said the trees needed to be removed following safety inspections in early 2025 after trees brought down in severe weather damaged two homes in the area.

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