Former bakery can become office and storage space

Ramsey Bakery on Station Road was closed at the end of April 2022

The conversion of the site of a former bakery in the north of the Isle of Man into industrial and storage units as well as offices has been approved.

The plans include 10 industrial units of varying sizes, a small amount of office space as well as 36 parking spaces on the site of Ramsey Bakery, which closed in 2022.

The firm was the largest provider of locally-produced bread products to supermarkets and smaller outlets across the island.

Planning committee chairman Rob Callister said the plans would "reinvigorate the area".

'Asset to Ramsey'

The planning officer who recommended the plans were approved said the proposal could "potentially offer employment opportunities" in the area, and the new layout was considered to be "an enhancement to the character and appearance of the site".

Separate storage units would also be made available, and the plans would see the demolition of part of the building to create space for parking.

Applicant Andrew Duncan said the firm had a 50 year history of "serving the community" and the owners had seen "an opportunity to support local businesses" with the proposals.

Committee member Peter Young said the plans were "a real asset to Ramsey" and the larger storage units were "a bonus for businesses".

Echoing his views, fellow committee member Adele Bettridge said it was a "great idea" as many houses "do not have storage these days".

The plans were unanimously approved in the planning committee.