Wellness retreat and padel plan in Nunnery estate

Plans have been submitted for a new sports and wellness complex at the Nunnery Estate on the outskirts of Douglas.

It comes after plans were approved in June for a change-of-use for the land within the large estate.

The Nunnery is one of the island's most historical sites, with the legendary date of its founding rooted in the 6th Century, although it is more commonly accepted as the 12th Century.

The application, lodged by Johnny and Loni Evans, is seeking permission to build a four-court indoor padel facility with a café, swimming pool, sauna, changing facilities, as well as landscaping works and a "wild spa" outside.

Planning documents show the development would cover about 1,315 sq m and would be built on previously developed land next to the estate's existing upper car park.

The proposed indoor padel building would have a footprint of about 1,100 sq m.

According to the application, the site would be capable of accommodating up to 91 people at peak times.

Developers said the complex would use the existing one-way road system through the Nunnery estate and the upper car park, which currently has 93 spaces.

Eleven parking spaces would be removed as part of landscaping works, leaving 78 spaces.

The application's transport assessment estimated peak parking demand at about 45 vehicles.

The proposal is supported by landscaping, ecology and tree reports submitted to planners.

Four trees would need to be removed to facilitate the complex, an assessment found.

The site is located within the grounds of the Nunnery, which is identified in the Area Plan for the East as land for civic, cultural and other uses, as well as open space.

Documents from the applicants argue the proposal would support the long-term use of the estate, increase visitor activity and expand leisure facilities available on the island.

The application was validated on 14 October and will now be considered by planning officers.

Members of the public can submit comments before a decision is made.

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