Concerns over loss of parking and safety have been raised following the latest proposals for the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade.

A planning application for the reconstruction of Loch and Harris Promenades (18/00003/B) was last week submitted by the Department of Infrastructure.

It’s part of a planned £20 million transformation of the capital’s sea front and gateway to the island.

But it will mean the loss of 75 two-hour disc zone parking spaces.

And a safety audit included with the application highlights concerns over continued use of echelon parking and proposed traffic roundel roundabouts at Church Road and Broadway junctions.

The audit carried out by TMS Consultancy warns ’both proposed roundel junctions can increase the risk of high speed entry and failure to give-way type accidents’.

Echelon parking, it is warned might see drivers who use them reversing too far and ’could force wheelchair users or pedestrians with pushchairs into the carriageway to avoid the obstruction, leading to potential collisions with other road users or trip and falls’.

The DoI said in a statement: ’Parking provision will remain broadly in line with the current arrangements.

’There will be diagonal/echelon parking on the seaward side of Loch Promenade and parallel parking on the landward side.

’The design has attempted to maintain as many car parking spaces as possible.

’Overall, there will be a reduction in spaces from 236 to 161. Many of these spaces are being replaced by features such as bus laybys, taxi ranks and loading bays to benefit public transport users and businesses.’

But the loss of parking spaces remains the main concern - although many who spoke to the Manx Independent are glad the work is finally scheduled to begin after many false starts.

Douglas councillor Ian Clague, who represents Victoria Ward, said: ’Parking is an issue. We do not have adequate parking for the long term, we need to provide proper parking for the retail centre. The cultural area will be great but we must compromise on all needs’.

Phil Salmon, who runs a shoe repair and florist shop in Duke Street, said: ’The work on the prom needs to be done, but parking is fundamental to street traders’.

Reverend Richard Hall, of Promenade Methodist Church, said: ’I am glad to see the bus stop moving as it leaves the church less hidden and the crossing gives a focus to our frontage.

’But there has been conversation about the difficulties of parking especially for folks with limited mobility when attending church’.

Stephen Bradley, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce retail committee, said: ’Loss of parking is hopefully minimised. It will be a challenge but we have to have co-operation.’

Davison’s Ice Cream boss Ian Davison, who is also chairman of Peel Commissioners, said: ’There are always going to be doubters and there was controversy over the market place regeneration in Peel, but now people have grown used to it as a focal point.

’Douglas has barely been touched since 1945 and we need something for people coming off the boats to show off our island. It just should’ve been done years ago when we had more money.’

Issues surrounding parking on Douglas promenades following the planned redevelopment are also highlighted in a separate audit carried out by Phil Jones Associates of Birmingham.

It notes: ’The proposed car parking makes it hard to get to/from the central median, particularly because of the use of echelon parking.

’Where central medians have been used effectively on other schemes within the UK, they have not been combined with on street parking to the degree proposed in Douglas.’