Planning approval for a proposal to demolish a large part of Duke Street in Douglas and replace it with a six-storey building has been upheld at appeal.

An appeal was launched by developer the Tevir Group, after Duke Street Commercial Limited was granted approval (18/00641/B) in December 2018 for the mixed use development.

The approval was formalised in June following the completion of a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of providing affordable housing as part of the scheme.

Now, Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot - whose department is responsible for planning issues - has agreed with independent planning inspector Brian Sims’ recommendation to dismiss the appeal and approve the application.

Under the proposal, numbers 42-50 Duke Street, the former KFC to Fenton’s butchers, will be demolished and be replaced by the six-storey mixed use building including retail and office space, 11 flats and a rooftop garden.

There are three one-bed, seven two-bed and one three-bed flats and some of the upper level properties include balconies.

Launching its appeal, the Tevir Group, which owns the Castle Mona and the Villiers Square site adjacent to Duke Street, said: ’The application prejudices the access and use of the adjoining land for us, our tenants in Clarendon House, our future potential tenants in RBS/ Villiers House and the development of our land.’

Concerns were raised about the design, scale, character and appearance of the proposed building. In addition, concerns were raised about the adequacy, safety and convenience of the access and parking arrangements.

But Mr Sims concluded ’the proposed development would make better use of the previously developed site and make a positive contribution to the environment’.

And he said the development would not prejudice the use or development of adjacent land under the Isle of Man strategic plan.

The application was approved with a number of conditions. No development can start until a schedule of the materials and finishes and samples of the materials for use in the construction of the external surfaces have received written approval from the department.

And the development can’t be occupied or operated until the basement parking, turning areas and car lift have been provided.