Planners make a U-turn over World War Two hut

In the Spring of 2001 Planners overturned their initial refusal for the erection of a wartime Nissan hut at the Manx Aviation and Military Museum on Ronaldsway airfield.

The Manx aviation Preservation Society, which runs the museum, will use the hut as additional exhibition space and to sell drinks and sweets to visitors.

Its initial application was turned down by the planning committee on the grounds the proposed building was ‘of poor form’ and would be situated in an area of ‘limited aesthetic value’.

They said it would reduce the quality of the area’s appearance, particularly given its proximity to buildings of architectural merit, such as King William’s college and Ronaldsway airport terminus.

MAPS, disappointed at the decision, asked for it to be reviewed and the planning committee has now done a U-turn.

Society secretary Ivor Ramsden said members were surprised when the plans were first turned down but are delighted with the latest news.

‘We’re absolutely over the moon,’ said Ivor.

‘We were surprised and very disappointed when it was turned down initially.

‘Everyone who comes in (to the museum) is amazed at what they see and when we tell them we have got four times as much material in reserve.

‘This will go a long way to getting that material on display and is a great encouragement for the society to expand.’

For the review, the society approached the likes of Manx National Heritage, the Department of Transport, Castletown Commissioners and Ronaldsway airport for their views of the scheme.

It’s likely the views of such bodies carried weight when planners came to review the decision.

If the appeal window of three weeks passes without incident, Ivor said work on erecting the hut will begin immediately and should be completed by the end of the summer.

It will then be fitted out during the winter in preparation for an opening early next year.

The hut is an original World War Two Nissen which was used as a hospital hut as part of HMS St. George in Victoria Road, Douglas, opposite the prison.

Anyone who has memorabilia which they are prepared to put on exhibition should contact the museum on (01624) 829294 or Ivor on 823764.