Planning permission has been granted to convert a former Douglas boarding house into flats, despite objections from the council.

The 11-room former boarding house on Castlemona Avenue is to be changed to accommodate four flats.

Objections raised by councillors at a previous meeting centred particularly on parking and the existing level of congestion on Castlemona Avenue. Councillors thought a conversion to four dwellings could exacerbate the current problem, should each resident own a car. It was also suggested that residents from Spectrum flats sometimes parked in the avenue, in some instances renting out their own parking spaces in the basement of the building.

However, planners decided that as the conversion was from an 11-room boarding house to four flats, the resulting demand for parking would be equal to, or possibly even less than at present.

Planners also pointed out no objections to the proposal had been raised by the highway authority. Councillors decided to accept the decision and no appeal is to be lodged.