Area 'fails to meet criteria' says DEFA
One of the men behind a proposal to make Douglas Head a conservation area says he's incredibly disappointed the Cabinet Office has said there are no immediate plans to progress the project.
David Wertheim, along with Charles Guard, submitted a proposal in 2018 and then resubmitted it several times before a consultation opened on the issue in July this year (2021).
A Tynwald written answer from Minister Kate Lord-Brennan, to the Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson, says: "There are no immediate plans to progress Douglas Head as a Conservation Area."
It goes on to say a strategic approach is needed to reappraise the existing conservation areas.
Mr Wertheim responded to this:
A conservation area needs to be somewhere of special architectural or historic interest with an appearance desirable to preserve or enhance.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says Douglas Head fails to meet these criteria.
David isn't convinced:
What does becoming a conservation area actually mean?
The government website says "there are tighter planning controls and obligations in respect of demolition, new development, property alterations and advertisements and signs".
So despite his proposal, and support from several consultation respondents, there are no immediate plans to progress the project.
David says he won't be giving up the cause:
Manx Radio has contacted Cabinet Office for a response.
Disruption at Ronaldsway airport following incident with light aircraft
Hopes for better working relationship between government and hospitality sector
'A lot of work to do' on low income housing
Public servants killed in the line of duty eligible for new award
Multi-million pound Villiers development recommended for approval
Rosalind Ranson row draws to a close
