There has not been much reaction as of yet to the news Hartford Homes has been granted approval – at appeal – to build 41 homes at Castletown beauty spot Knock Rushen.

The decision seems to end the long-running saga between the developer and protest group SOS (Save Our Scarlett).

It is a serious setback for SOS which has successfully campaigned against development on the land on numerous occasions over the past 13 years, during which time planners and two independent inspectors have consistently turning down applications.

The latest application was also opposed by Castletown Commissioners during a private vote, while many of the inspector’s recommendations are based on the 2001 emerging plan, which has not been ratified by Tynwald.