An MHK is hopeful Onchan can bank on a new restaurant becoming a success.

Rob Callister has welcomed the approval, confirmed at appeal, for Gold Properties’ proposal to convert the former Isle of Man Bank building in Main Road, Onchan, into a restaurant, with two commercial units and four flats.

But he acknowledged the concern of some residents over potential parking problems. However, he hoped they would prove to be unfounded.

’I welcome the business coming into Onchan,’ said Mr Callister. ’It is a sign that Onchan is continuing to grow and offer a wide range of services.’

He described the former bank as an ’iconic’ building and said he was glad it was not going to remain empty for a long period.

Mr Callister added: ’I share the concerns over parking, but we have regular events in the parish hall (in Royal Avenue) and people find places to park.’

Gold Properties submitted its application to convert the bank (16/01372/B) in December.

However, Onchan Commissioners objected, saying there was insufficient parking for customers or deliveries.

James Cherry was the only board member to support the application, which includes alterations and extensions, plus the erection of a flue. An existing garage and plant room will be removed.

The plan was granted approval, but Christopher Corkish, of Auburn Road, lodged an appeal against the decision.

Mr Corkish said he was not against the development, in principle, but what was proposed would have an adverse impact on a number of property owners.

He said the scheme attempted to ’shoe-horn’ a ’non-complementary mix’ of uses onto the land - and described the design as ’ugly’.

Mr Corkish argued the six parking spaces proposed were below the normal standard and it had not been demonstrated this would not cause unacceptable street parking.

Planners pointed out that parking rules could be relaxed ’if the development is within a reasonable distance of an existing or proposed bus route’. There was a public car park nearby.

Recommending the appeal be rejected and approval confirmed, planning inspector Brian Sims said opinion on the appearance of the development was ’necessarily subjective’, but neither extension would rise significantly above the eaves line of the existing roof.

He added the street itself had a variety of building designs.

He described residents’ concerns over parking pressures as ’understandable’.

But he added: ’They appear to be focussed mainly on the inconvenience currently experienced in finding a parking space close to their own frontages.’

There was sufficient on street parking available ’over the local road network as a whole’.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK agreed with Mr Sims’ findings and confirmed the development could go ahead.

The Isle of Man Bank in Onchan closed in 2015, leaving the village without a bank. A branch of Barclays shut some years earlier.