Plans to modernise Peel’s Michael Street and Atholl Place have received a mixed response from the island’s principal registered building officer.

Ross Brazier, in his report to principal planning officer Sarah Corlett recommended approving the scheme, but said it could see Peel lose some of its historic character.

The Department of Infrastructure’s application (20/00455/B) for the area includes the reconfiguration of the highway and footways with granite paving and the creation of two rain gardens in Atholl Place.

Instead of the traditional way of dealing with rain water, these gardens will intercept the run-off water, providing a more sustainable drainage system, new habitats for wildlife and will visually enhance the town centre.

Mr Brazier said that he is ’fully supportive of the principle of the works and it is evident that there has been a loss of traditional materials along the highway and that replacement of the current surfaces are required and would be an improvement’.

He added: ’I think the proposals in their current form are a lost opportunity to further enhance the historic character of Peel, which could be resolved with relatively minor amendments to the proposals.

’I would strongly recommend that the scheme is revised to take into account the local character and considers using materials that better reflect this.

’It is important that the scheme should seek to retain, reuse and where possible reinstate the historic kerbstones that are very much part of the town’s historic floorscape and provide local identity.’

Eli Gawne, the secretary of Peel Heritage Trust, said the group was supportive of the proposals, but said they had similar concerns as Mr Brazier over the materials, granite stone, that the Department of Infrastructure intends to use.

Mrs Gawne said the trust’s support comes ’providing the kerb stones could be retained and reused within the design and that the work is undertaken as soon as possible with minimum disruption to business premises’.

Peel commissioners have also written to planners to support the proposals, which members say ’improves the worn, rundown and dilapidated condition of the highway infrastructure’.

The local authority’s letter added: ’The commissioners, traders and the public were less supportive of the Atholl Place water gardens and the stone paving materials selected.’