Plans to convert Port Erin guest house into apartments refused

Lack of affordable housing provision stumbling block for application

Plans to convert a 25-bed guest house in Port Erin have been refused due to a lack of affordable housing provision.

The applicant, Richard Copisarow, had wanted to transform Erin House in Athol Park into a block of eight apartments.

The plans had already been recommended for refusal before they went before the Planning Committee, based on a lack of affordable housing provision and concerns from neighbours around parking provision in the area.

The committee was told there would be six dedicated parking spaces for residents, adding to include any more would come at the loss of green space around the property and ultimately end up with a scheme which is 'overdeveloped.

Historically the committee was told the property at one stage was a nursing home before becoming a guest house.

Meanwhile, there was debate over the number of apartments actually being 'created'. 

With one apartment already within the building, the applicant argued only seven 'new' dwellings would be created, and so forgoing the need for an affordable housing contribution.

However, the case officer argued the floor plan of the property would be changing so significantly that it couldn't be said that any fewer than eight apartments were being created and a £28,000 commuted sum would need to be paid.

The applicant insisted that was a figure they simply 'couldn't afford'. 

Members agreed they would like to see something happen with the site, but ultimately voted against the plans.