Plans to develop a youth and community centre in South Douglas have received a boost.

Proposals for land adjacent to the Anagh Coar stores car park and public house were submitted in August by MHK Bill Malarkey and his wife Carol, a Douglas councillor for Hills Ward.

The application was due to be debated by the monthly meeting of Douglas Council.

However, with the council’s public works committee opposed to the application on the grounds of inadequate parking, Mr Malarkey (pictured) hopes the latest news will alter their stance. He told Manx Radio:

"I've been working very closely with Heron and Brearley over the last few weeks and am delighted to be able to say they have thrown their support behind the project.

"They'd love to help me progress with this and have agreed, in principle, that the Heron car park could be used as a car park for the facility which, of course, is a great boost.

"I will make sure that the councillors receive a copy of this letter and I'm hoping this will subtly help to wave them in the right direction.

"I'm looking for planning permission in principle, (so) there is a long way to go from here."