A major development comprising 88 homes and four commercial units, on land opposite Tesco, in Douglas, has been refused planning permission.
Heritage Homes Ltd submitted its application (09/01386/B) in 2009 for the development at the former sawmill and timber yard between the River Douglas and Lake Road.
It included 88 two-bedroom flats and duplexes in five buildings as well as 117 car parking spaces in the basement. But refusing the application, planners were concerned the development could pose an ‘unacceptable risk in terms of on-site and/or off-site flooding’.
The Water and Sewerage Authority said the site was in a ‘high risk zone’ and the car park would be ‘very unsafe’.
Planners also raised concerns the road network would not be able to safely accommodate the traffic generated.
Following discussion with the highways division, Heritage Homes had made provisions for this, including widening the carriageway at Banks Circus, but because the road is in a conservation area, planning permission would be required.
The bid was found to be contrary to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan because no affordable housing was provided and there was not the necessary recreational and amenity space.
The site is used as a car park, pending redevelopment. Heritage Homes was given approval in principle for a residential development of flats in 2006.