Land exchange 'will benefit school'

New homes could be coming to Kirk Michael after a land exchange has been agreed between The Department of Education and Children, neighbouring landowner Pinecrest Investments Ltd and developer Heritage Homes Ltd.

Eddie Teare, Minister for Education and Children announced today that the agreement means The Department will convey 0.63 acres of part of the school’s corner field, fronting Douglas Road, to the landowner,meaning up to 100 homes could be built on the entrance to Kirk Michael, and any development on the land beyond that accessed through the zoned land, without the DEC’s agreement.

In exchange The Department will receive 2.01 acres of land to the north and rear of the school site from the landowner.

Minister Teare said the land behind the school was zoned for residential use. Through purchasing properties on Douglas Road, the developers had secured an alternative means of access to the zoned land anyway.

It’s a move that’s polarised opinion in the town with many voicing their displeasure at a recent meeting.

Michael candidate for the forthcoming election, Alfred Cannan described the timing of the announcement as a masterstroke, coming a day after the town was left without political representation; Minister Teare said this was not the case at all.

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