Plans for 282 homes and a bypass in Ballasalla have received mixed opinions.

A second consultation was held ahead of proposals being submitted for the first two phases of the development, providing residents with an opportunity to view designs and express their thoughts on the plans.

The event took place at the Malew Commissioners’ offices with representatives from construction firm Dandara, Malew MHK Graham Cregeen, parish commissioners and residents in attendance.

Commissioner Margaret Mansfield said: ’It’s potentially a very exciting project. I cannot make a real comment until we see the plans - we need to act in the best interests of the residents.’

Mr Cregeen hopes the proposal will generate better business opportunities in Ballasalla and Castletown if approved.

’If we fail to develop into the future, the village could stagnate and business could go elsewhere,’ he said.

’We need employment right across the Isle of Man, not just in Douglas and Onchan.’

He expressed concerns about whether the bypass would be effective in reducing traffic flow, adding that further discussions with the Department of Infrastructure were needed.

Dandara says that if plans are supported, work would create up to 190 jobs for constructing the housing development and bypass.

The houses will be a mix of modern two-, three- and four-bedroom properties with single and two-storey homes.

This development will fund the link road, which has long been mooted, to help reduce traffic congestion in the village.

This road would begin with a roundabout at Glashen Hill on Douglas Road, through to Balthane Corner near the entrance to Balthane industrial estate, where an improved roundabout would be created.

Dandara’s planning director, David Humphrey, said: ’It’s one of the most calculated schemes we’ve undertaken in a long time. It’s been a long decision process, which involved a lot of consultation and detail.

’We’re making an application for an environmental statement which will look at issues such as transport, wildlife, noise and even dust.’

He added that there is a concept for phase three of the development, which will look at creating facilities in the village such as shops.

Seamus Nugent, managing director, said: ’We haven’t planned phase three as we would need some indication from the commissioners as to what they would like to see.’

Residents who attended the second consultation were either in favour or strongly against the housing development for the south-eastern side of the village, with many approving of the bypass plans.

Don and Linda Plaster, who live in Ballabridson Park, were relieved to find that their views would not be spoiled if the developments went ahead, as the proposed houses near their property are bungalows.

’We’re fairly well elevated and will look over the roofs,’ said Mr Plaster.

His wife is optimistic about the potential benefits the proposed housing estates could bring to Ballasalla.

’Maybe it will bring more shops, like a supermarket, that would be nice as we need more shops,’ Mrs Plaster said.

John Thursfield, of Ballabridson Park, said she hoped the bypass would lead to less congestion in the village centre.

’My road comes out onto Douglas Road. If this bypass encourages people to come through that way then I would be able to have a much easier access onto Douglas Road.’

Barry Smith, also of Ballabridson Park, said: ’I’d be delighted to see a bypass. They’ve been talking about that bypass for years and it would be nice to see someone start it and for traffic to be reduced.’

About development overall, he said: ’As long as it doesn’t impact the people in the area I don’t think there’s any problem in it.’

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said having any new housing developments in Ballasalla would be a ’disappointment’ as it would ruin the scenery.

’We came here about 50 years ago and so we remember it being still quite a village and I’d like to maintain the village,’ they said.

’People come to the Isle of Man for the contrast.

’I suppose I feel generally impotent about this, [it’s not] like I have any influence. I think it’s inevitable.’