Further development planned for the Nunnery

Eight lettable units to be built on estate

A historic estate in Douglas looks set for further development after planning permission was granted for the erection of two two-storey buildings on its grounds.

The Nunnery, which dates back to the 12th century, was given approval for use as an educational facility back in 2003, but last year UCM relocated its higher education students to its main Homefield Road campus.

Since then, the estate has been 'working towards becoming a central hub for start-up businesses'.

The new application will see the construction of eight lettable units on the wider estate.

CGI Visualisation of buildings. Picture credit: CG Visualisation IOM

They will be constructed with associated access, parking, drainage, a pond and landscaping. 

The applicant stated the flexible units would provide accommodation for growing businesses whilst avoiding the need to alter the mansion house itself.

In June, permission was granted for the main building to change from an educational site to mixed use, to help incorporate more business into the site.

It came with the caveat that only a maximum of 20 percent of the site could be used for shops following concerns from Douglas City Council.

With regards to the new application, committee members said they found it 'incredulous' that the council and Department for Enterprise wouldn't object to office space being created outside of the city centre.

However, the application received unanimous approval.