Douglas City Council is to object to a planning application seeking to use part of the Summerland site as a temporary car park for 18 months.
The proposal, submitted under application 26/00197/C, would see the land operate as a short‑term parking area.
Members were reminded that the site had previously been used in the same way during the Douglas Promenade refurbishment works.
Summerland Plans
However, councillors were advised that most applications for temporary car parks have historically attracted objections, as they conflict with the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, particularly General Policy (b) and (c), and do not comply with the Council of Ministers’ directive on temporary car park use.
The Council also concluded that the proposal does not meet Strategic Policy 1, which requires development to make the best use of resources, including optimising brownfield land and ensuring efficient site use.
Following discussion, members voted 3–1 to object to the application.
It agreed that if the planning authority ultimately approves the scheme, the applicant should be required to carry out works to significantly improve the appearance of the site.
Suggested measures include upgrading the timber fencing, improving the car park surface, adding soft landscaping, and tidying the exterior of the Aquadrome building.