Lord Street development granted planning permission

Planning committee approved plans for project

Plans for a 12 storey multi-purpose development in Douglas has been given planning approval.  

Chair of the Planning Committee Rob Callister said during the hearing that he 'cannot support' the Lord Street site remaining vacant any longer. 

As part of the approval, it was agreed that 'commuted sums' to affordable housing and public open spaces will be capped at £1.1 million and £473,000 respectively. 

The scheme will also be subject to a 'two stage review' - which would be if 'no substantial' development had taken place within two years and the second when 75 percent of the residential units have sold. 

Mr Callister told the committee that the site has been an empty brownfield site for more than two decades and it has the 'full support' of Douglas Council. 

He added that the site hasn't generated any economic activity and hasn't contributed in terms of jobs, business rates or footfall.

He also said it had missed 'multiple regeneration opportunities'.

The development will see a multiscreen cinema, office space, 12 commercial units, a green roof terrace, 85 residential apartments and 94 private vehicle spaces. 

It will also have a bus information centre, public toilets, bus driver welfare area, five bus stands on Lord Street with associated waiting areas.

The planning committee was in favour of the development and the 19 conditions and voted 4-2 to approve it.