Airport EV charging points get planning approval

Six electric-vehicle charging points are set to be installed at Isle of Man Airport after receiving planning approval.

The plans, submitted by Manx Utilities, will see six 160-kW electric-vehicle charging points installed at the airport beneath a solar panel canopy.

Unanimously approved by a committee, member Peter Whiteway said: "It's about time, it's very much needed down there."

Manx Utilities has also outlined plans to install a new 160-kW charger at the Sea Terminal over the summer to operate alongside a 75-kW charger already in place.

In the planning application, the authority said transport was the "second largest source of emissions" on the island, contributing more than 22% of total emissions.

To reduce emissions, "we need to create a transport system that encourages the use of electric vehicles through the provision of rapid public charging," the authority continued.

It is hoped the facility will help commuters, airport staff, hire-car users and taxi services, in a bid to encourage more people to use electric vehicles.

Committee member Helen Hughes questioned whether there would be opportunity for expansion of the facility at the airport.

But the planning officer considering the application said further growth would need to go through the planning process again.

That planning officer, who recommended the proposals were approved, argued they fitted "in with the character of the surrounding area" and the height of the solar panel canopy was "not considered to cause concern for airport safety."

Speaking separately to the planning committee, John Wannenburgh, chair of Manx Utilities, said: "Improvements at our gateways – sea and air – will support residents, visitors and transport operators as we continue to move toward a cleaner, more reliable future for the island."

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