New Bushy's brewery and restaurant plans approved

The site is currently used as a depot and workshop by Castletown Commissioners

Bushy's brewery is set to move its operations to the south of the island after planners approved proposals that would include a restaurant and tap room.

The firm's plans to redevelop Castletown Commissioners' yard on Milner Terrace, which have the local authority's backing, also include the relocation its offices from Santon.

The proposals were given unanimous approval by the planning committee, following confirmation of extra parking provision for staff close to the site.

Concerns were raised about noise levels and access, but brewery founder Martin Brunnschweiler said the firm "intended to be good neighbours".

The authority will now present a petition to the Department of Infrastructure to request permission for the sale of the land for £625,000.

Bushy's said it hoped the facility would add to the vibrancy of the town as it had previously been home to Castletown Brewery, which was established in the 1860s.

The plans include a new restaurant, a tap room and the relocation of Bushy's offices

Concerns had been raised by a resident that the staff parking included was still "insufficient" and that those living in the area "liked the current quiet nature" of the street at night and were worried about access for large commercial vehicles.

The site, which is adjacent to Mill Street and Alexandra Road, is just outside of the town's conservation area.

It is currently used as the local authority's depot for storage, growing of plants, parking of vehicles and workshop.

The authority will now seek permission to sell the site to the firm for £625,000

Under the plans, existing stone buildings on the site would be retained with the workshop becoming the 90-seat restaurant and an outdoor seating area, which could accommodate up to a further 60 people.

The proposals also outlined measures to stop smells escaping from the brewery and the inclusion of three parking spaces nearby at the Claddaghs for use by staff.

Hugo Mackenzie from Castletown Commissioners said the development would "maintain the link to the towns' industrial past whilst providing employment and support the town's evolution to a more tourism and leisure orientated destination".