Plans to build two ‘infill’ homes on a vacant brownfield site in Peel have been given the go-ahead.
The application (26/00639/B) for the plot on a prominent position on Station Road, within the Peel Conservation Area, was unanimously approved by the island’s planning committee this week.
Currently used as an unofficial car park, the site contains the remains of a former building which is derelict and roofless although substantial sections of the original sandstone external walls remain in place fronting the highway.
There is a two-storey Manx stone cottage on one side and a three-storey property on the other.
Applicants Mr and Mrs Allen Corlett applied to fill in the gap with two ‘upside down’ dwellings with the bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor and living accommodation on the first floor.
Neighbours on Station Road and Patrick Street objected on the grounds that construction activity could destabilise a retaining wall and steps.
They also raised concerns about the lack of on-site parking provision and considered the design to be out of keeping with the area.
Recommending approval, senior planning officer Jason Singleton said the proposal would reinstate a vacant site and had been designed alongside structural engineers recommendations.
He welcomed the re-use of a significant amount of existing natural stone to face the front elevation, and said the use of traditional stonework, natural slate and portrait windows of sliding-sash appearance reflected materials and architectural characteristics found within the surrounding Peel Conservation Area.
The planning officer said that while no vehicle parking had been provided as part of this application, the site was within reasonable walking distance of services, public transport and public parking facilities.
Planning committee chairman Rob Callister said: ‘I think it’s a good use of the site. It takes a brownfield site and gets it back into use again.’