Douglas Sea Wall.

The Department of Infrastructure was seeking expert advice after the initial planning refusal of the flood defence wall, which would ensure flood damage would not be inflicted on the seafront area.

We prepared and submitted planning and heritage evidence, and coordinated additional flooding evidence for the appeal, which was successful.

An appeal has been allowed and planning permission granted to the Isle of Man Government (Department of Infrastructure) for the construction of a 1.2m high concrete flood defence wall, anchored to the existing sea wall, on the central section of the Promenade in Douglas, known as the Harris Promenade.

We prepared and submitted planning and heritage evidence, and coordinated additional flooding evidence for the appeal, which was originally scheduled for an Inquiry Hearing in March. However, the appeal was eventually determined on the basis of written representations, due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic, with both the appellant and the Planning Authority (Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, Planning and Building Control Directorate) given the opportunity to respond directly, in writing, to an agenda of queries raised by the Inspector.

We are delighted that the appeal for Douglas sea wall was successful, which was the result of a real team effort.

The Inspector’s recommendation was that the appeal be allowed and planning approval granted, and this was agreed by the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The Inspector concluded that the development would provide substantial improvements to the existing sea defence, and the visual impact of the higher wall would be offset by the significant benefits to the safer and more active public use of this section of the promenade, including the associated horse tram service, and thus to the local economy.

Importantly, the proposal would not prejudice future plans to extend the sea defence wall to other parts of the promenade as deemed necessary.