Former funeral directors site can be supermarket

Plans for a larger Co-Op in Port Erin have been approved

A bid to replace a former funeral directors and florist with a supermarket has been approved by planners.

The plans will see a vacant chapel on the junction of Station Road and Droghadfayle Road in Port Erin demolished and replaced with an expanded Co-Op store for the town.

The upper floor of the two-storey building would become two one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments for use as tourist accommodation.

Chairman of the committee Rob Callister said it was a brownfield site that "needs to be developed" and the completed project would bring people into the area.

The complex would also include an ATM, toilets and a staff room for staff.

Applicant Mark Pearce from JM Project Management Ltd said the existing Co-Op store in the village was "too small to cope with demand by itself".

He said, barring any appeal, the replacement store would open in 18 months.

Under the plans, the retail unit would be operated by the supermarket, while JM Project Management Ltd would run the tourism accommodation, he added.

The site previously housed a funeral directors and florist

Although the original proposals for the site were deferred the developers to address initial concerns raised by the highways division over access, it was recommended the application be refused in a planning officer's report.

The report said that while some of those earlier concerns had been dealt with, the impact on the site's historical character and a potential reduction in football in the high street following the stores relocation remained issues.

However, Port Erin Commissioners clerk Jason Roberts told the committee the buildings has been vacant for "many years" and the local authority supported the application.

Welcoming the inclusion of flats in the project, he said the village has recently seen a reduction in the tourist accommodation available.

Peter Whiteway, who was one of two committee members who voted against the plans, said while he liked the design of the building, it would hide the view of the neighbouring church along the road due to its height.

But, voting in favour of the application, Matthew Warren said it was important to have choice in shops and the redevelopment would make the village "more of a destination".