Plans are in place to build a new community sports hall in Ramsey.

Outline planning consent has been granted to develop land at Mooragh Estate.

The project is being promoted by a small community group brought together by former commissioner Richard Radcliffe.

He said: “Finding a site for the project is a major step forward.

“The proposal has been widely welcomed by sporting organisations in the north of the Island who recognise the need to supplement existing facilities.

“Whilst it was disappointing that previous site proposals had failed to obtain support this approval for the area immediately below the Brooghs, to the north of the Donkey Path, means that this project can be taken forward with the certainty of a suitable and available location.”

The approval will pave the way to establish a new community trust – adapting a similar model to the group responsible for the Tommy Clucas Community Sports Hall in Peel.

Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners Andy Cowie welcomed the news:

“The majority of the community are very much behind this proposal and once established the hall will complement the existing sports facilities at the Mooragh.

“The sports hall will provide greater opportunity for participation in sport and recreational activity, particularly in the winter, which is an important aspect of our strategy to promote health and wellbeing  in our community.”