Local authority gives full backing to shop plans

The proposed site for the Co-Op is currently occupied by a former chapel

A local authority in the south of the Isle of Man has unanimously voted in favour of plans for a new supermarket and holiday flats in the village.

Plans were submitted last month for an expanded Co-Op store on Droghadfayle Road, in Port Erin, which would also house six holiday apartments.

Applicants JM Project Management said the village's current branch was "too small to cope with demand" from the area.

While Port Erin Commissioners backed the move, the board was told there had been seven objections to the proposals so far.

Of those, one was commercial, three were from people in properties situated close by and another three from parties not in the "direct vicinity" of the site.

Residents who live near the location, which was previously occupied by a funeral directors and a florist, have listed privacy as their main concern about the plans.

Vice-chairman of Port Erin Commissioners Marc Morely said although the Department of Infrastructure's highways division initially had no objections, it had since requested a traffic audits.

Commissioner Hayley Fox also raised issues about "bad" parking around the area, while board member Barbara Guy said she had concerns about the "accessibility" of the site.

Several existing buildings at the location, which is on the junction with Station Road, would need to be replaced by the new development, including the former chapel which had previously housed the small businesses.

The planned Co-Op store would have 3,714sq ft, 375 sq m) of retail space, 23 parking spaces and be of a similar design to the new Co-Op in Crosby.