Plans for 109 new flats in capital approved

The housing would include six apartments for first time buyers

Plans for 109 new apartments in the centre of Douglas have been unanimously approved.

The Dandara development, situated between Lake Road and the River Douglas, will comprise six blocks of one and two-bed flats, raised courtyards, ground floor parking and a cycle path.

The redevelopment of the brownfield site, currently used as a car park, was welcomed and approved by a planning committee this week.

David Humphrey, planning director for Dandara said that once the planning approval notice is issued, the company would "look to start on site as soon as possible".

The project has an estimated build time of two years.

'Positive impact'

A 25% contribution would be provided towards affordable housing, with six flats designated for first-time buyers, and the rest of its requirement made up in a financial contribution in commuted sums.

Ranging from four to six storeys, the development will house 49 one-bed flats and 62 two-bed flats.

The proposals were described by the planning officer as considered to constitute a "high standard of design", and it was "deemed to give rise to a positive impact upon the character and appearance of the wider locality".

While chair of the planning committee, Rob Callister, said he "loved the design", he voiced concerns about the size of the apartments.

But Mr Humphrey, said it was a "fine balance" between making it affordable and providing larger flats, and added that if the apartments were larger, people would prefer to get a house.