Plans to protect the heritage of Douglas Head will see the Town and Country Planning (Douglas Head Conservation Area) Order 2026 laid before Tynwald in May.
The Order provides additional planning protection for the historic, cultural and architectural significance of Douglas Head.
The area is recognised as one of the Island’s most distinctive landscapes and the Order is supported by evidence of what makes the area special, features which should be protected, why the proposed boundaries for the conservation area are recommended and how future development should be managed.
In a public consultation earlier this year, the majority of respondents were supportive - 92% supported the principle of a Conservation Area, 85% were in favour of the proposed boundary, and 70% of property occupiers written to directly by the Cabinet Office also approved.
Conservation area status is intended to guide and manage change, not prevent development. The designation will help ensure that future proposals respect the character and appearance of Douglas Head, protect important views, and contribute positively to the improvement of the area.
Commercial properties and the port are deliberately excluded from the Order so that nationally important operations can continue without being restricted.
Minster for the Cabinet Office, David Ashford MBE MHK, said:
‘Douglas Head is one of the most prominent and well‑loved parts of our capital with one of the highest concentrations of registered buildings anywhere on the Island. This designation is about recognising what makes the area special and ensuring that future change is handled carefully and appropriately.
‘The strong level of public support has been encouraging in developing this project and I look forward to seeing the tangible cultural, economic and environmental benefits it will bring in the near future.’
The Order has been made under section 18 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 and will be laid before Tynwald at the May sitting in accordance with statutory procedure.
