Peel Commissioners agree not to object to East Quay hotel and apartments

Peel Commissioners, the town’s local authority, have decided not to oppose a planning application for a new hotel and apartment development on East Quay.

The board reached the decision unanimously at its public meeting on Thursday evening, 15 October, having previously put off a ruling on the scheme, according to Energy FM and Manx Radio.

Representatives of the project attended the meeting to respond to questions that residents had sent in to the commissioners. Energy FM reported that the project team includes Wilson Consulting and the contractor G J Ingham & Son, with John Wilson and Nick Ingham answering questions on the night.

Parking dominated much of the discussion. Mr Wilson and Mr Ingham said two parking layouts were under consideration, offering either 57 or 54 spaces for hotel guests and people living in the apartments, both outlets reported.

The pair said either option would exceed the number of spaces required, and that some could be opened to the public if needed. They told the board they recognised how much of a problem parking already is in Peel and did not want to make it worse, though they acknowledged the development could not solve it entirely.

Mr Wilson confirmed that Castle Street Gardens, and the scheme to refurbish them, would be owned by Peel Commissioners, with the development covering the cost, according to the reports.

He added that the developer would consider including gates as part of the planning application, in an effort to deter anti-social behaviour in the area.

On the scale of the building, the developer’s representatives said the design would allow for five floors. Rather than rising higher, they said, the building would instead extend further across the width of the site.

They described the ground as “undulating” and confirmed the plans allowed for a two-metre buffer along the boundary line, both outlets reported.

Commissioner Ray Harmer proposed that the board should not object to the scheme but should pass on the comments raised during the meeting. That proposal was agreed without dissent.

The meeting also confirmed that a by-election will be held in December to fill a vacancy on the board. Energy FM reported that the seat became vacant following Katryna Baptist’s election to the House of Keys.

Clerk Derek Sewell told members the Cabinet Office was organising the dates and paperwork. He said nomination papers would be available at the end of October, and that if more than one candidate comes forward, polling would take place in early December.

Peel Commissioners are next due to meet on 19 November.