Castletown Commissioners has done a U-turn on their approach to residential use of Callow’s Yard.

Previously they opposed plans for retail units also to be used as residential in the town centre development.

However they supported the latest application (17/00330/B) for 17 and 18 Malew Street.The plan, for additional use as residential for two retail units, is the same as one submitted in 2016 (16/01371/B) which they opposed and planners refused saying it would reduce the commercial space in town.

At first commissioners objected to the latest plan saying ’all ground floor premises designated as retail should remain as such ... the conversion of retail space to residential units ... is seen a retrograde step.’

The authority then withdrew its earlier objection, ’following extensive discussions with the applicant and professional advice taken with regard to the future of retail and the potential benefits of shortening the retail streetscape.’

Commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather said they have been in discussion with the planning department, retail expert Martin Sewell and Callow’s Yard developer Roy Tilleard.

’We believe it will strengthen the town, the advice was we are never going to fill all the shops given the trend in retail.

’It’s happening everywhere, there’s a totally a different look, what worked in the past is not going to work in the future. Because of the internet, there’s a revolution in how people carry out their lives.

’We are looking at filling all the shops that can be filled to give it a buoyant centre rather than have vacant shops.

’The impact of the internet is huge. We have to be realistic and see what is and will be viable. Retail will change to leisure. Outlets in town are service and gastronomic, there are vibrant eateries. We are starting to get inquiries for outlets.

’By shortening the length of the two retail streets (Malew and Arbory) they will be vibrant. This is the retail strategy: How do we make the town work? We are living in the 21st century, we have got to change.’