Finch Hill bowling green and tennis courts in Douglas should be protected from development, the inquiry into the area plan for the east was told.

In a submission to the inquiry inspector, Bowling Club member Steven Moore said the site should be designated as recreational open space.

Under the draft east area plan, site number DH001 has been designated as mixed use.

The area, bordered by Westmoreland Road, Kensington Road and Grosvenor Road, contains Finch Hill Bowling Club, Douglas Lawn Tennis Club and the basketball court.

Mr Moore said this change in proposed designation is ’nothing more than offering up this site for speculative development.’

Mr Moore told the inquiry: ’Mixed use is like the sword of Damocles hanging over the clubs.

’The open space needs cherishing as one of the few open green spaces with public amenities for all ages in this packed urban area.’

He said the club has no objection to the mixed use designation for sites to the south including the former Nurses’ Home which was a likely candidate for development.

But he called on the bowling club and tennis courts to be given stand alone protection as designated recreational open space. He explained that the site includes one of the finest examples of a Victorian pavilion, finished in red brick, that could be found anywhere in the British Isles.

’It’s an historic building in the heart of Douglas that at the moment had no protection whatsoever,’ he said.

He said the Bowling Club hosts local tournaments and visiting clubs in a sport that attracts players aged from eight to 65.

This only open space in a dense urban part of Douglas attracts many who enjoy the gardens.

The Tennis Club has a new 21 year lease with landowner Douglas Council and has an agreement to revamp its artificial surface courts.

Then there’s a basketball court, the only such amenity in the area, and the Snooker Club based in the Victorian Pavilion.

The 2.46-hectare brownfield site DH001 was deemed suitable for housing as it is situated in a predominantly residential area, with existing access, good transport links and is well-served by facilities.

It was labelled as a potential reserve site for housing development in an assessment carried out in November 2016.

Fears

Mr Moore said Douglas Council has pledged to protect the site but he feared what would happen if a new set of councillors decided to sell.

He told the inquiry inspector: ’We believe the greatest protection will be the designation of the site itself standing alone in its own designation.

’That is why we ask you to use your discretion to recommend the open green space activity park is given its former designation of recreational open space/open space.’