Ramsey Commissioners are supporting a planning application by Shearwater Properties to fill the former Barry Curran and Farmers Combine site on West Quay with retail and office space, including 48 parking spaces at the rear.

Presenting the plans to the board, lead member for planning Ffinlo Williams expressed the view that ’an opportunity has been missed to introduce a sleek modern design to the town centre’, but the rest of the board were happy that the design featured Manx stone, echoing the historic warehouse that formerly occupied the site.

Commissioner David Greenwood was surprised that the developer wanted to build offices, saying: ’I thought there were already enough empty offices in the town.’

Luke Parker responded that today’s businesses wanted modern, purpose-built office space. He hoped this development might encourage businesses to the town.

It was unanimously agreed to support the plans.