Amended plans for a four-star eco-friendly 10-bedroom hostel in Douglas have been approved.

An application (17/01028/B) by Nelly Christian, of Woodbourne Road, for alterations and refurbishment of 38 Murrays Road to create the hostel has been approved by planners.

In the application it explains that the fire service had reviewed the property following the Grenfell Tower fire in London in June and raised their concerns with the proposal. It led to the applicant making a number of amendments to address the issues.

In the application, it explains: ’They do not want a reception at the front of the building as any fire from a PC or a TV would potentially block the fire exit for the upper floors.

’In view of this, I have had no choice but to redraft the layout of the building.’

Changes include moving the reception to the back of the building, away from the stairs.

The proposal includes building a bike storage room and creating seven motorbike spaces in an existing parking space.

Douglas Council submitted that it had no objection to the bid. Some concerns were raised by neighbouring residents.

In her response, the applicant said: ’I consider that the proposal would very much enhance the neighbourhood.’