Investigation into demolitions at Living Hope development

Planning officers pay visit to Finch Road site

Officers from planning and building control have opened an investigation into a church group's development in Douglas.

It's alleged the demolition aspects related to Living Hope's new place of worship have extended beyond that permitted by authorities.

The organisation is redeveloping Removals House, formerly a music shop on Finch Road.

Plans were given the green light in July 2024, with Living Hope saying it would be home to its Douglas City Centre Congregation, consisting of over 250 people.

The application was to renovate and convert the building, with minor changes to the roof and some external walls, hard landscaping and the historic fountain outside.

(Picture credit: Manx Radio)

However, Media Isle of Man reports that demolition works have taken place, with only one of the two gable ended brick buildings remains standing and the showroom structure between them has also been flattened.

It says: 'Last month, a spokesperson for the planning and building control directorate said the extent of the demolition was being reviewed to determine whether it aligns with the approved planning consent but there had been no formal request to investigate a breach of planning'.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture told Manx Radio: "I can confirm that officers from the Planning team have visited the site and the matter is under active investigation.

"We have nothing further to add at this time."