A Douglas-based company has won its planning battle to have an emergency generator at its offices.

Nearby residents had objected to the proposals by Clerical Medical International and appealed against planning permission after it was granted.

They said the generator and 25 foot long oil tank would be too noisy and would spoil views in the nearby conservation area.

But the appeal heard the generator would be used for no more than half an hour each month.

Planning Inspector Graham Self was told noise limits had already been set in a planning condition and the generator was only to be used as an emergency back-up system in the event of power cuts.

He said he understood residents' concerns but it was in the public interest for an employer to safeguard its business operations.

Mr Self recommended the appeal be dismissed and the company be allowed to go ahead with the development.

DLGE Minister John Shimmin agreed, although he imposed extra conditions on the scheme.