Opposition is mounting to plans for a 21-bedroom boutique hotel in Peel, with a mystery leaflet inviting residents to a meeting about the development.

The unsigned leaflets have been posted through doors in the town, urging people to attend a residents’ meeting at the Sailor’s Shelter on Wednesday evening.

There was initial excitement over the proposal, which could provide much-needed tourist accommodation and boost the town’s economy.

But concerns are now being raised about the scale of the development and its potential impact on Peel’s character.

The proposals have been developed by a team including local architects Wilson Consulting and contractors G J Ingham & Sons.

They would see a former garage and showroom redeveloped into a mixed-use building featuring a 21-bedroom hotel, restaurant, café/bar, spa and gym, alongside nine residential apartments.

The application also includes plans to upgrade nearby Castle Street Gardens and provide off-site parking for guests and residents.

The applicants say their vision is to create a destination which complements existing businesses, enhances the area and encourages long-term investment in Peel.

Wilson Consulting says the design draws on historic warehouses and waterfront buildings, with its varied height and form intended to reflect the established character of East Quay.

Although taller than the neighbouring Net Loft Apartments, the applicants say it would have the same number of storeys, with additional height required for modern structural and service requirements.

The site is listed on the Isle of Man Government’s Unoccupied Urban Sites Register as UUS50, which is intended to encourage the redevelopment of vacant or previously developed urban sites rather than greenfield land.

The applicants also point to the Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy, which identifies a need for new and modern visitor accommodation, including coastal and harbourside boutique hotels.

Plans also include improvements to Castle Street Gardens, which would remain owned by Peel Town Commissioners, while the applicant says 39 off-site parking spaces would be provided.

However, the unsigned leaflet inviting residents to Wednesday’s meeting raises a series of objections.

It says: ‘Excited about the new boutique hotel? So were we until we saw the plans and realised the scale and damaging impact the development could have on our lives and community.

‘Parking in Peel is difficult enough. Adequate provision has not been made in this application.

‘If approved, this development in a conservation area would create a massive, overbearing building.

‘It would block views, reduce privacy, worsen parking problems, restrict access to Castle Street Gardens and potentially prevent future development and improvements on the quayside.

‘It would permanently alter the character that makes Peel so special.’

Public consultation took place in July, with 35 people attending presentations and question-and-answer sessions. A majority were largely supportive of the scheme.

The deadline for objections is October 2.

The residents’ meeting will take place at the Sailor’s Shelter on Wednesday at 7pm.