Tennis courts to become 'vibrant community hub'

The redevelopment of "underutilised" tennis courts on a promenade in the west of the Isle of Man will create a "vibrant community facility" all year round, the local authority behind the plans has said.

Plans put forward by Peel Commissioners for the a community hub on Marine Parade include a café, bowling clubhouse, and public toilets.

Planners this week backed detailed proposals for the site after approval in principle was granted on appeal last September.

Representing the commissioners at the meeting, Jasmin Eastwood from McGarrigle Architects Ltd said the development "strengthens Peel's character and celebrates its seafront".

A consultation held by the local authority following the approval in principle saw 92% of the 100 respondents support the plans, with 80% in favour of the detailed designs.

The proposed development, at the northern end of Peel Promenade, includes a community room and a cafe with a capacity of 56 inside seats and a further 44 outside.

Ms Eastwood said the proposals were also expected to create somewhere between six and 12 jobs at the site once completed.

Recommending the plans be approved, the planning officer said the scheme "makes best use of a site" and delivers an "acceptably designed low level contemporary building which was set back to preserve key views".

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