Planners approve two homes on derelict Station Road plot in Peel

Two homes are to be built on a derelict brownfield plot on Station Road in Peel after the island’s planning committee gave the scheme unanimous approval, Isle of Man Today reported on 13 October.

The plot occupies a prominent spot within the Peel Conservation Area and is used informally for parking. An earlier building there has lost its roof, but much of its original sandstone frontage still stands along the road. A two-storey Manx stone cottage sits on one side and a three-storey property on the other.

Mr and Mrs Allen Corlett applied (application 26/00639/B) to fill the gap with two ‘upside down’ homes. Each would have its bedroom and bathroom at ground level and its living space upstairs.

Residents of Station Road and Patrick Street lodged objections. They feared construction could undermine a nearby retaining wall and steps, questioned the lack of parking on the site, and argued that the design did not suit the area.

Senior planning officer Jason Singleton recommended approval. He said the scheme would bring a vacant site back into use and had been designed with input from structural engineers.

He welcomed plans to reuse a substantial amount of the existing natural stone on the front of the building. He said traditional stonework, natural slate and sash-style windows would reflect the character of the conservation area.

Although no parking will be provided, Mr Singleton said shops and services, public transport and public car parks were all within a reasonable walk.

Committee chairman Rob Callister said: “I think it’s a good use of the site. It takes a brownfield site and gets it back into use again.”