Heritage groups call for historic property to be saved from demolition

Westhill House in Castletown under threat

There's growing opposition to the proposed, imminent, demolition of an historic building in Castletown. 

Westhill House is a Georgian property built in the early 1800s and became the home of the Buchan School in 1940.

Three heritage bodies are calling for a building preservation notice to be served on the property which is under threat due to the redevelopment of the area by Hartford Homes.

Castletown Heritage has joined Manx National Heritage and Save Mann’s Heritage to try and stop the demolition.

Westhill House is located near The Crofts in a Castletown conservation area.

The charity says in the ancient capital it’s considered second only to Lorne House - the former home of the Lieutenant Governor - which is a legally protected building.

It adds losing the building would be contrary to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

Sue Scott is on the executive committee and said: “In a UNESCO biosphere reserve we should surely be protecting the very best of our past for a secure and prosperous future.

"If we allow one of the finest Manx Georgian buildings to be demolished, we will irrevocably lose a vital part of the story of our ancient capital and the history of female education on our Island.

"The story of Westhill House mirrors the story of Castletown over the last two centuries and more.

"To confirm we are not against future residential use of the site but we can see no reason at all why meeting housing needs cannot incorporate the retention of these historic buildings as has previously occurred right next door at Westham."

Historian Peter Kelly is from the Manx Victorian Society:

Manx residents are being asked to lodge their own objections by emailing planning@gov.im.

Manx Radio has invited Hartford Homes to comment.