Plans for industrial units at brewery site backed

Heron and Brearley has submitted plans for 33 light industrial units

Proposals for over 30 industrial units at the site of a brewery in the east of the Isle of Man have been backed by planners.

The 33 light industrial units would be let out by Heron and Brearley at its warehouse and distribution centre on Old Castletown Road.

Objectors had voiced concerns over the potential noise impacts the development would have on nearby properties, and requested the opening hours for the site be limited.

But brewery representative Val Lloyd said it would be difficult to police the operating hours given the firm, which shares an entrance, needed to be accessed at varying times to fit in with ferry sailings.

The brewery said it had proposed the plans as it had experienced a reduction in brewing demand, and had decided to downsize by demolishing its office facilities and providing lettable units, with its own personnel housed in its existing warehouse.

The planning officer who recommended the proposal for approval said the firm had mitigated noise reduction by agreeing to light industrial units, which were quieter than general industrial units, and concluded the development would have no significant impact on neighbouring properties.

The plans were expected to create between 42 and 52 jobs, and the Isle of Man's Business Agency had supported the application as such units were in short supply on the island, the planning officer added.

The planning committees vote was split four to three in favour.

Planners also backed a proposed development for 20 light industrial units at the Clock Tower Industrial Estate in Foxdale.

The planning officer who recommended it for approval said that while the development would have a visual impact, the land had been designated for development and would provide economic benefits.

Another six industrial units were granted permission at the paddocks in Jurby Industrial Estate, with approval in principle granted for further general and light industrial as well as storage and distribution.