But In late 2021, the then Cabinet Office minister Kate Lord-Brennan announced that there were no immediate plans to progress with making Douglas Head a conservation area.
At the time it was branded by MHK Chris Thomas as “ridiculous” arguing that it had “deteriorated” over the past 20 years.
Under planning laws, the Cabinet Office is responsible for identifying places of special importance due to historic or architectural interest which can be formally recognised as a conservation area.
Proposals have also been outlined to install information boards or plaques at key points around Douglas Head to share historical facts, heritage stories and details about landmarks.
Now, the government is asking for views on specific elements of the proposals, including the boundaries that have been set out and implications for businesses and residents to adhere to stricter planning rules that come with being in a conservation area.
The consultation, external, which runs until 3 March, will inform the final stages in the designation of the Conservation Area Order – which go to Tynwald for rubber stamping before coming into effect.
It was a “sensible and proactive step to protect what makes this part of the Island so distinctive,” Ashford said.