Plans for a food village to showcase local produce and vendors on the church grounds during the Isle of Man TT Race Festival have been scrapped.
The idea was proposed by the Manx Food Market Traders Association, which organizes food markets at North Quay.
It was to have been held from May 27th to June 8th in the grounds of St Ninian's Church in Douglas.
However, the planning committee rejected the application due to concerns about increased traffic during the period, parking issues, noise, odor and the impact on existing food provision in the grandstand.
The association had planned a marquee on one side with musical entertainment, food trucks and food stalls, and a pop-up fine dining restaurant in the church's eaves in the evening.
Residents' concerns
In its objection to the plans, the Ministry of Enterprise said there had already been a “bulk food offering” planned in the auditorium during the festival, but it would have supported the village if it was in the town centre. .
The DfE also said traffic would be “directed along and away” from the area to alleviate issues previously raised by residents, but that holding the food festival could worsen the issue. Ta.
Concerns were also expressed about the impact of the festival's noise and odor, as well as the potential for parking and access issues to the area for residents of nearby senior living facilities.
However, the planning committee heard that no concerns about odor had been raised by environmental health authorities and that highways authorities had “resolved” traffic concerns with organizers.
Organizers also said they would provide separate parking for up to 200 motorcycles and that music would be played acoustic rather than amplified.
Planning officers recommended approval of the application, but the committee unanimously refused the application due to concerns about the amenity of local residents, existing offers at the grandstand and the impact on traffic in the area.
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