Five Castletown residents who opposed plans to demolish buildings in the centre of the town have lost their appeal.

The ratepayers were against proposals to demolish buildings to the rear of 28 Arbory Street, to partly demolish a barn to the rear of 23 Malew Street and to rebuild a new retail/commercial building.

However, after their appeal was dismissed, it means the work, part of the Callow's Yard scheme to create 27 new homes and nine commercial units, can progress.

Among their concerns, residents questioned the need to demolish a Manx stone barn in good condition, the loss of light to neighbouring properties should a new building be constructed and whether deliveries and subsequent congestion would potentially pose problems for the emergency services.

But despite acknowledgement emergency vehicles could be delayed on occasions, the appeal was dismissed.