MHK welcomes temporary protection for historic buildings

The temporary protection for two historic buildings is being welcomed by an MHK.

Speaker of the House of Keys and Rushen MHK, Juan Watterson, has commented after government confirmed both the Cosy Nook in Port Erin and Trafalgar House on South Quay in Douglas were issued with Building Preservation Notices (BPN's) which have come into force with immediate effect.

In a statement, Mr Watterson says: "I’m delighted by the stay of execution for these historic buildings until they are assessed. It is important that there is a full assessment of the merits of the case, and it is a great relief that they are no longer under immediate threat.

"It is still important that people submit the reasons for preserving these historic buildings."

Port Erin Commissioners recently voted to demolish the Cosy Nook, which is the subject of a planning application to demolish and replace the building with a new facility.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that Trafalgar House, which is thought to be around 200 years old, is at risk from damage due to its proximity to nearby demolition works.

Officials say the BPN's for both structures don't mean the buildings will be registered, however it will allow more time for investigations to be carried out so they can be considered for being added to the Protected Buildings Register in 2021.