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Move to make Three Legs of Man landmark legal

Alex BlakeIsle of Man
Manx Scenes A fairly close view of the grassy hillside with a ridge that stretches from left to right, with a mass of green fields below in the distance and the sea beyond. Below the top of the ridge of North Barrule is a white Three Legs of Man symbol, clearly visible on a sunny day.Manx Scenes
The triskelion, the symbol on the Manx flag, can be seen across the northern planes

A large Three Legs of Man symbol painted on a hillside in the north of the Isle of Man is to be assessed by planners following years of controversy.

Manx Utilities has applied for a "certificate of lawfulness" for the triskelion, the symbol on the Manx flag, which was formed from painted stones on North Barrule.

The 100ft (30m) wide symbol was the creation of retired builder and Ramsey resident Bryan Callister in 2019.

Manx Utilities said it had sought a ruling by the planning division of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) in part because of "strong community support" for retaining the symbol. Planners will now decide if the existing triskelion can remain in place.

Manx Utilities said the stones had been repainted on more than one occasion without its permission, prompting questions about planning compliance and land management.

As the landowner, Manx Utilities said it had a responsibility to ensure any development on its land complied with planning legislation.

Manx Scenes A tall ridge of a grassy hillside stretches from the right to the middle centre of the view, with a mass of green fields below and the sea beyond. On the ridge of North Barrule a white Three Legs of Man symbol is clear, the shot taken on a sunny day.Manx Scenes
The history of the Three Legs of Mann goes as far back as Pagan times

The application means the planning authority will determine whether the existing feature is lawful under planning rules, rather than granting permission for a new development.

Manx Utilities said it was "neutral regarding the presence of the triskelion", but added that works carried out without permission could potentially be subject to planning enforcement.

The company said it had sought the ruling in part because of "strong community support" for retaining the symbol, including on social media, and previous statements of backing from Lezayre Commissioners.

While the application is considered, Manx Utilities said it would install signs warning that the stones are on private property and should not be repainted without authorisation.

It also planned to issue public messages stating that doing so would breach planning regulations.

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