The future of an historic manor house on the outskirts of Douglas has been saved - for now.

Heritage Homes, which wants to redevelop the site, has been told it can’t remove Farmhill Manor from the Protected Buildings Register.

The Manx farmhouse dates back to 1430 and was converted in the 18th century.

The news has pleased South Douglas MHKs Bill Malarkey and David Cretney who opposed the application.

Mr Malarkey (pictured) sees it as a victory for 'people power'. He told Manx Radio: "I've got no doubt that the petition and the support of the people of the Isle of Man is probably what swayed it, when you read the report.

"I'd like to thank all those who sent in their signatures and petitions in such a short time period. They worked very hard alongside myself and David at the appeal to emphasise to the inspector how the people of the Isle of Man felt about this property, and this type of property on the Island."

Mr Cretney said: "There have been too many similar-type properties which have been lost over the years and I think that whilst we need to see development on the Island, we're obviously very keen that development should continue to take the Island forward, we need to treasure some of our important buildings. For us certainly, this was one of them."