Douglas Head has been formally designated a Conservation Area by the Manx government. Douglas City Council said it "welcomed" the move, recognising the headland's "significant historical, architectural and cultural importance". It follows years of campaigning by local historians and two public consultations, the most recent of which found 92% support for the move.
While the designation does not prevent all development on the headland, it does restrict the kind of changes owners to property within the boundary can make without first obtaining planning permission. This includes for things like replacing windows or altering roofs. Applications consider whether any alterations would preserve or enhance the area's character.
The Isle of Man's Area Plan says applications within the boundary "will generally not be supported." Douglas Head already has eight registered buildings, more than almost anywhere else on the island outside of central Douglas. They include the Great Union Camera Obscura (1892), Douglas Lighthouse, the Harbour Swing Bridge Tower and its original 1895 machinery, and Harold Tower. Tell us which stories we should cover on the Isle of Man Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook, external and X, external.
Review begins on Douglas Head conservation plan
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