Planning victory for pub at appeal

A Douglas pub has won its planning battle to put up a smoking canopy on Loch Promenade.

Jaks had been given permission to put up a shelter on either side of its main doorway, accommodating four tables and 14 chairs as well as a standing area.

But the Department of Transport appealed, saying the smoking areas would mean pedestrians would have to squeeze through a gap between the pub and a bus stop.

Douglas Corporation also said the seating area would intrude onto the pavement and block pedestrian access.

Planning inspector David Hollis said the smaller area behind the bus shelter would allow people to stand outside the busy pub, despite only being 60 centimetres wide.

But he said the canopy would balance the design, providing symmetry to the development which he described as a good contemporary approach.

Mr Hollis said he could see no reason to refuse planning permission, and recommended the appeal be dismissed.

Local Government Minister John Shimmin agreed, giving the green light for the work to go ahead.