North Barrule Triskelion – Certificate of Lawfulness Application

Published: 08 April 2026

 

 Manx Utilities has submitted an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness in relation to the Three Legs of Man (Triskelion) feature on North Barrule. The application has been accepted as valid by DEFA’s Planning and Building Control Division.

The Triskelion, formed from painted stones on the hillside, holds cultural meaning for many people in the Isle of Man.  Manx Utilities recognises the strength of feeling and public interest in the future management of the site.

The feature was repainted on more than one occasion without Manx Utilities’ permission.  This gave rise to complaints and raised questions about planning compliance and land management.  As the landowner, Manx Utilities has a responsibility to manage the land appropriately and to follow relevant planning requirements.

Why a Certificate of Lawfulness Has Been Sought

As landowner, Manx Utilities is required to ensure that features on its land comply with planning legislation.  Following discussions with the Planning Department, an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness has been submitted to clarify the planning status of the existing Triskelion feature.

This process allows the Planning Authority to consider whether the feature is lawful under planning legislation, rather than seeking permission for any new works.

Manx Utilities remains neutral regarding the presence of the Triskelion.  However, where development has been carried out without a Certificate of Lawfulness or planning approval, it can be open to planning enforcement.

The application has been submitted as part of this required process to determine whether the existing feature is lawful.

Some factors informing this decision include:

• Strong community support for retaining the Triskelion, expressed widely on social media and in discussions with local landowners.
• The need for clear and transparent guidance regarding the feature’s legality.
• Previous statements of support from Lezayre Commissioners.
• Practical management considerations, given the site’s accessibility to the public, its use by a tenant farmer, and limited day‑to‑day presence by Manx Utilities.
• A desire to discourage further unauthorised repainting by ensuring a clear, formal process is followed.

Immediate Actions

While the application is being processed, Manx Utilities will carry out the following actions:

• Install signage to make clear that the stones are located on private property and may not be repainted without authorisation.
• Issue public communications, including through social media, to reinforce that repainting the feature without permission may require planning consent and may be a breach of planning control.

Manx Utilities will continue to engage with the Planning Department to inform future communications and site management while the application is being considered.

Manx Utilities remains committed to acting responsibly and lawfully, while respecting the views of the community and the importance of the Island’s cultural heritage.