Douglas Council’s housing committee has explored a report which detailed its development strategy and subsequent plans for a series of capital projects.

The document has explained issues commonly seen throughout the housing stock while also providing a detailed summary of each of the council housing estates.

The committee discussed the need for decent properties which are needed to progress some of the capital programmes the council wishes to proceed with, the need for family suitable accommodation in central Douglas, damp issues and the potential of building additional housing at Spring Valley.

The committee decided that approval be given to the housing development strategy and associated capital project, as well as giving approval for the council officers to discuss the strategy and plans with the Department of Infrastructure with a view to gaining DoI backing for the various projects.

The committee agreed to carry out a feasibility study into building new housing at the Spring Valley estate behind the current houses, with questions raised both as to the loss of part of the green fields and current residents losing their view.

Finally, the committee is to spend up to £5000 on an architect for the feasibility study.