Developer to sell after 'giving up' demolition bid

The developers had applied to demolish several buildings on North Quay

A firm that was stopped from demolishing one of the oldest buildings in the Manx capital has decided to sell the site.

Kelman Limited said unless there were changes to the island's planning laws it could "no longer invest in the island".

The company's appeal against a decision to stop it knocking down several buildings on North Quay, Douglas, was thrown out in January.

It had wanted to replace them with a retail, commercial and residential complex.

The firm said it had "decided to give up and sell the properties" including a registered 18th Century former warehouse.

Kelman Limited said it was a "shame" as the development "could have brought so much to the North Quay area and the City of Douglas".

Kelman Limited had called for public support for the proposed project

Recommending the appeal be refused, a planning inspector’s report said there was not sufficient justification for the demolition of the registered building.

The proposed redevelopment was not of "sufficient quality to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the North Quay Conservation Area", it added.

That ruling was backed by member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) Sarah Maltby MHK.

Ms Maltby was given delegated responsibility for the determination of the appeal on behalf of the DEFA minister.

Announcing its plans to sell the site, Kelman Limited said: "In addition to the £8m construction opportunity, which would have benefitted companies island-wide, we wanted to create a pleasant retail, commercial and residential environment for the city.

"And so, after five years of trying and a great deal of expense, we’ve decided to give up and sell the properties."