The Isle of Man Children's Centre has won a planning appeal to develop its site in a conservation area in Douglas.

Planning permission was originally refused, on the grounds the new building would be out of keeping with the nearby Victorian and Edwardian houses.

But a Planning Inspector has ruled that the proposed new building is an excellent piece of modern design.

The Children's Centre wants to construct a new link building between two existing parts of the complex on Woodbourne Road, create a new drop-off point at the front and relocate the car park off Murrays Road.

The scheme was initially refused because it would not preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area.

But the Inspector disagrees, saying the scheme does respect its setting and adjoining buildings. He adds that, to the extent it unites a functional group of buildings, it enhances the conservation area.

He also rejects concerns about the impact of the new car park on local properties.

Several conditions are attached to the planning approval, including a scheme of tree planting to replace those to be felled.