Why has it taken so long to demolish dilapidated hotel?

A derelict hotel in the south of the Isle of Man is being demolished under an emergency order after years of being left to ruin. But why has it taken so long?

Work began last week to tear down the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel in Langness on "safety grounds".

Having closed in 2007, the former hotel's 58 bedrooms and dining facilities have since fallen into disrepair.

Langnesss Golf Club Limited, which owns the site, has mooted plans to transform the space into a five-star luxury hotel.

Although the golf links was set out in the 1890s, it was likely in the early to mid-20th Century that the hotel was built.

It operated until 2007.

Considered a fundamental part of the golf course, the hotel attracted visitors to the island, and included function rooms, a spa, sauna and solarium.

Following the closure of the former hotel, Castletown Golf Links was divided into the course - bought by Langness Golf Club Ltd in late 2011 - and the hotel, purchased by developers Dandara the following year.

In 2017, the developers revealed multimillion-pound proposals to build a 40-bedroom hotel, a spa complex, a swimming pool and 40 apartments.

It took four years for the application to be rejected, on grounds including location, the impact on the landscape and wildlife, and light and noise pollution.

Dandara appealed that decision, which was heard in February 2023 following a four-day public inquiry.

The appeal was refused later that year.

Since falling into dilapidation, the building has seen a rodent infestation and has been subject to criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, a 2025 Malew Commissioners' report said.

It has frequently been referred to as an "eyesore" by nearby residents, and at appeal, it was "common ground that the only future for the hotel was demolition," the report said.

The local authority considered issuing a demolition order before an emergency demolition order was issued on safety grounds.

A road closure is in place on Fort Island Road until 2 March while the demolition works take place.

Last year, charity Manx Birdlife acquired 60 acres (24 hectares) of land in the Langness Peninsula, comprising grassland, coastal heath and saltmarsh from Dandara.

Some 200 bird species have been recorded in the area of special scientific interest, which also boasts the only lesser mottled grasshoppers in the British Isles.

At the time, the charity said it would manage the land "in perpetuity" for nature, wanted to conduct bird surveys, and hoped to work with land owners.

As part of the sale, land for the former Castletown Golf Links hotel building has been acquired by Langness Golf Club Ltd, which has now mooted plans to build a luxury hotel.

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