Members of a charitable organisation behind a community project are worried a new telephone mast may cast a shadow over their scheme.
The project being developed by members of the Woodland Trust includes a nature reserve, wildlife area and memorial park on land adjacent to the proposed site of the new mast.
Clive Martin, from the trust, who has been one of the driving forces behind the project, said it would be a great asset to the community.
‘It’s a cracking not-for-profit community affair covering 25 acres,’ he said.
The land, which was provided by Onchan Commissioners, on a long lease, is currently in the process of being developed and, when complete, will also include two ponds, various trails and a tool shed.
‘The planning application for our eight-foot high shed had to include a screening proposal,’ Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin said the land was originally Hillberry tip and so far five acres had been restored to good condition but it bordered the land where the new mast is to be sited.
‘We are not saying no to the mast but we are saying it is in the wrong place,’ he said.
‘Our land is right next to it and yet we have not been given “interested party” status by the planners,’ he said.
A 2013 Department of Infrastructure circular advises people with interested party status include those owning or living on land adjourning a development or those whose outlook would be significantly adversely affected by the development. Those who have interested party status have a right to appeal a decision.
Mr Martin said he felt the trust was significantly affected. He said the project got off the ground last July when Onchan Commissioners got planning permission on behalf of the trust.
Other plans for the land include planting 1,165 trees to commemorate island servicemen who lost their lives in the First World War.
A separate area is also to be cleared to provide camping for parties of scouts and guides.
‘I’ve got absolutely no axe to grind with Manx Telecom,’ Mr Martin said, adding he just thought the mast was too close.
A Manx Telecom spokesman said the semi-rural location was chosen after extensive research of seven other possible sites. All health and safety issues had been considered. He added there was no conclusive scientific evidence of any risk to health and the masts operated at a fraction of the maximum safe guidelines.