Planners back conversion of former Newson's site

Planners have backed proposals to demolish part of a registered building and restore the other part

Planners have backed proposals to restore part of a registered building on Douglas quay and demolish the other half so that a bar, retail unit and two apartments can be built in its place.

The plans, submitted by Kelman's Ltd, would see the former Newson's site at 27 North Quay - dating back to about 1785 - retained and converted into a bar and restaurant with an apartment above.

Meanwhile the neighbouring 28 North Quay, built at a similar time, would be demolished and replaced with a modern three-to-four storey building with a retail unit and a two-bed townhouse.

A planning committee considering the application approved the plans by five votes to one.

A retail unit, restaurant and bar - as well as two residential units - are planned for the site

Previous proposals by the firm to convert a group of buildings on the harbourside, including the former Newson's site, into 10 flats and food and drink outlets were rejected in 2022.

However, in June plans to convert buildings 22 to 26 North Quay along the quayside into eight new apartments and two retail units were backed.

The planning officer who recommended approval said the demolition of 28 North Quay risked "substantial harm" to the site as a heritage asset.

However, the officer found the "enhancement" to the former Newson's site, which was considered to have greater significance, "offsets the proposed loss of 28".

The site dates back to the 18th Century

Speaking on behalf of the applicants, Mark Savage said it was a "complex balance between cost and return" and while the loss of 28 was "regrettable", it was an "acceptable compromise to allow the redevelopment of a large part of Douglas Quayside".

Objector Patricia Newton argued there was "no justification to demolish the second oldest building in the North Quay area."

Registered building officer Tom Sinden said there was "no proposal that would appease everyone's view on this site" and added that the current application was "somewhat of a compromise", with one element restored and the other demolished.

Committee member Adele Bettridge said the two buildings "form an ensemble piece" and said she was "completely against" the proposals due to the loss of a heritage asset.

But fellow committee member Helen Hughes said the two proposed buildings "look great together, it is building into the 21st Century and is much safer".