Housing plan for former car showroom approved

The former Empire Garage in Peel closed in 2022

A garage in the west of the Isle of Man is to be demolished and replaced with seven houses after planners approved the development.

Four three-bed terraced houses will be built along Marine Parade, with the remaining three-bed houses situated between Stanley Road and Gibb Lane.

The former Empire Garage in Peel closed in 2022 and its associated buildings, including the reception, offices and the showroom, have not been used since.

Planning Committee member Sam Skelton said these types of developments were what was needed on the island, and more plans for brownfield sites should be brought forward.

'Positive impact'

The project will also see the realigning of Gibb Lane to allow room for the properties and create additional parking, with two spaces proposed per property.

The garage is classed as a registered building as it is in a conservation area.

The planning officer who recommended the proposals were approved said the development would have a "positive" impact on the character of the site, and was "innovative" in its design.

The planning committee unanimously agreed to the proposals.