The former Local Government Minister has defended criticism aimed at him over a planning dispute in Cregneash.

Manx National Heritage successfully appealed the decision of John Rimington to allow extension to a property in the village.

It lodged a petition of doleance against the Department, believing an extension would ‘fundamentally detract’ from the building’s ‘contribution to the character and historical significance of the village’.

The court ruled the then Rushen MHK took into account matters which he ought not to.

However, the finding could have ramifications for the whole planning process and lead to the review of a long-time procedure in which the local government minister reviews the file of evidence when reaching a decision.

Mr Rimington believes the personal criticism of him was unnecessary: