5.12
Encouragement for residential on vacant/gap sites not for open space or essential town character (Castletown Local Plan 1991)
Source: Interim Policy Guidance For Key Town Centre Sites In Douglas Jan 2014 Updated Final Version
alternative additional car parking in the form of a multi storey car park on this site to make up for existing provision displaced from redevelopment of the Lord Street and Middlemarch sites.
5.12 Development Issues/Constraints
- There is a need to ensure that the round the clock operational needs of the port (including freight) are not compromised - development of the site presents an opportunity to make more effective use of the site.
- Relationship with the Lord Street and Middlemarch Sites. All sites currently have a generally poor environment, dominated by open car parking which gives a weak visual impression on approach from all directions.
- There is a need for high quality design on this prominent gateway site: any design scheme must take into account the iconic Sea Terminal Building. Furthermore, any proposal needs to take into account the context and existence of the Red Pier, which is a Registered Building.
- Flood risk implications need to be taken into account.
- Currently the road layout and traffic flows through and between Middlemarch, Lord Street and Parade Street sites play a key role in the traffic management of Douglas and access to the Port facilities; however they also currently form barriers to the effective interaction of the sites. Challenge is to provide / improve means of providing pedestrian access between the various sites whilst supporting the flow of traffic on these primary transport routes. Potential developers are encouraged to discuss this issue in more detail with the Department of Infrastructure Highways Division.
- Archaeology - Manx National Heritage have indicated that the site may have some archaeology on the site. Early archaeological investigation will be necessary followed by any appropriate further investigation ahead of any redevelopment. However, this must be done in a way that does not compromise the ability to bring forward this site for and the viability of any redevelopment. Potential developers are encouraged to discuss this issue in more detail with Manx National Heritage.
