Plans to protect Douglas Head to be laid before Tynwald in May

92% of consultation responses supported the principle of a conservation area

Plans which would see the designation of Douglas Head as a conservation area are to be laid before Tynwald next month.

The Town and Country Planning (Douglas Head Conservation Area) Order 2026 provides 'additional planning protection for the historic, cultural and architectural significance' of the area.

In 2021, the Cabinet Office carried out a public consultation on whether Douglas Head should be considered for conservation area status. 

Seventy-seven percent of respondents supported the proposal.

In another public consultation held earlier this year, the majority of respondents were again supportive - 92 percent supported the principle of a conservation area, 85 percent were in favour of the proposed boundary, and 70 percent of property occupiers written to directly by the Cabinet Office also approved.

Government says 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.'

It adds that '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.