Alterations to layout of footpaths, car parking area and plot boundaries

Efficient use of land and resources

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1

Priority for new development to identified towns and villages

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 2: New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions(2) of these towns and villages. Development will be permitted in the countryside only in the exceptional circumstances identified in paragraph 6.3. (1) Open Space is defined in Appendix 1. (2) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 4.3.2 Appendix 3 to the Plan identifies the towns and villages, and also explains why the Department has rejected the idea of a new settlement, which was mooted in the Consultation Draft published in May 2000. 4.3.3 Each of our towns and villages has an ind ividual character arising not only from its geographical position and existing fabric, but also from its historical, cultural, and social background. This character should be protected and enhanced. Accordingly:

To respect the character of our towns and villages

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 3: Proposals for development must ensure that the individual character of our towns and villages is protected or enhanced by: (a) avoiding coalescence and maintaining adequate physical separation between settlements; and (b) having regard in the design of new development to th e use of local materials and character. 4.3.4 Most of our built heritage, our countryside, our coastline and our natural environment is of attraction, value and interest. Surveys commissioned by Government on the quality of life and the importance of heritage in the Isle of Man and internationally, have consistently shown that the historic landscape setting of the Isle of Man scores as t he single most significant factor for residents and visitors in supporting the concept of a specific and positive Manx identity. This "heritage identity" is a result of the combination of a rich diversity of historic sites and monuments, historic building s and residential settlements and a specific range of natural history attributes set within a predominantly rural landscape setting which links modern life to a sense of historic legacy and beauty, the retention of which is strongly supported by Government and the resident community. 4.3.5 The landscapes of the Island are very varied, and their nature and variety is the consequence of thousands of years of interaction between the natural and cultural aspects of the Island through human activity within the enviro nment and an innate respect for the natural and historic qualities they represent. 4.3.6 This landscape heritage is more than simply the sum of its parts. The combination of geology, geomorphology, wildlife, archaeology, history, traditional buildings and the natural settings for traditional activities and customs, combine in the rural and built environment to provide an inseparable element of "Manxness". It provides an overarching context which makes the landscapes of the Isle of Man unique and gives them the value which is acknowledged by those who live here and those who visit. The protection and promotion of this element within Manx society is an important element in central Government policy and the Strategic Plan, which both support the view that these v alued characteristics of the Isle of Man be acknowledged and protected for the future from inappropriate development. 4.3.7 This protection will apply to areas of heritage value, to sites of heritage value and to general traditional landscape settings within the Island which are deemed to contribute to the sense of the Island's heritage identity. Heritage landscape value will therefore be a consideration in all aspects of planning, with a view to retaining and enhancing this value wherever possible.

Protection of built heritage and landscape conservation

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 4: Proposals for development must: (a) Protect or enhance the fabric and setting of Ancient Monuments, Registered Buildings (1), Conservation Areas (2), buildings and structures within National Heritage Areas and sites of archaeological interest; (b) protect or enhance the landscape quality and nature conservation value of urban as well as rural areas but especially in respect to development adjacent to Areas of Special Scientific Interest and other designations; and (c) not cause or lead to unacceptable environmental pollution or disturbance. 4.3.8 The design of new development can make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Island. Recent development has often been criticised for its similarity to developments across the Island and elsewhere - "anywhere" architecture. At the same time some criticise current practice to retain traditional or vernacular designs. As is often the case the truth lies somewhere between the two extremes. All too often proposals for new developments have not taken into account a proper analysis of their context in terms of siting, layout, scale, materials and other factors. At the same time a slavish following of past design idioms, evolved for earlier lifestyles can produce buildings which do not reflect twenty first century lifestyles including accessibility and energy conservation. While there is often a consensus about what constitutes good and poor design, it is notoriously difficult to define or prescribe. 4.3.9 The Department recognises the need to raise the quality of the Island's architecture and built environment and is pursuing this through the development control process and the commissioning of its own schemes and environmental improvements. At the same ti me it appreciates that the debate about good design needs to be broadened to include those who design, construct and finance new development and the wider community as we are all affected by the end product. To this end it welcomes the Isle of Man Arts Co uncil's National Arts Development Strategy 2005 - 2014 which has as one of its objectives, to raise the quality of the Island's architecture and built environment by encouraging debate on architectural standards, town and country planning, urban regenerati on and public art. This Strategy recognises that debate will have to take place over time. 4.3.10 In the meantime, the Department considers that, while there are a number of policies in the Strategic Plan which cover various elements of the design of new development e.g. General Policy 2 (a) -(i), ( m) and (n), and various Housing policies, there is a need for a further statement on the need to secure quality in the design of new development. In the preparation of Area Plans the Department will include development briefs that set out design principles for significant sites including new residential areas. Subsequent planning applications will be required to be accompanied by a Design Statement setting out the way in which the proposal has been designed to take into account its context and how the design principles have been developed. 4.3.11 At the same time as wishing to promote good design in new development the Department recognises that there are an increasing number of alternative styles of housing which draw their design principles from the wish to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Many of these can be incorporated into both modern and traditional designs but in some cases they produce a completely different structure or form of buildings, for exa mple underground (1)Registered Building is defined in Appendix 1 (2) Conservation Area is defined in Appendix 1 housing. While wishing to conserve the historic landscape of the Island the Department welcomes new styles of housing as long as they take into account the landscape context and the impact on the amenities of the area in which they are si ted. Merely arguing that a new building cannot be seen in public views is not a justification for the relaxation of other policies relating to the location of new development.

Design and visual impact

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.

Sustainable transport

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 10: New development should be located and designed such as to promote a more integrated transport network with the aim to: (a) minimise journeys, especially by private car; (b) make best use of public transport; (c) not adversely affect highway safety for all users, and (d) encourage pedestrian movement (1) Business Park is defined in Appendix 1 4.6 Social 4.6.1 The provision of an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the wider community is essential; this is in addition to the need to replace existing substandard or poor quality dwellings. Therefore;

Housing Needs

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11

Strategic Policy 11: The housing needs of the Island will be met by making provision for sufficient development opportunities to enable 5,100 additional dwellings (net of demolitions), and including those created by conversion, to be built over the Plan period 2011 to 2026.

Identifies those Service Villages 5 Building in defined settlements or GP3

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11, Spatial Policy 3&5

Building in defined settlements or GP3

It is considered the proposal would not have any significant adverse impacts upon public or private amenities and would therefore comply with Strategic Policy 1,2,3,4,5,10,11, Spatial Policy 3&5

General Development Considerations

General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development

Wildlife and Nature Conservation

uch as this, the breaks in the urban fabric and the features of nature which provide a sense of openness should be protected from development which would erode this (see Maps 3 and 10). Natural Environment Proposal 4 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Glen Vine and Crosby, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. Douglas, Union Mills and Strang (see Maps 3, 4 and 8) Natural Environment Proposal 5 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of and Douglas, Union Mills and Strang, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. The Upland Environment The Manx Uplands are an iconic part of our landscape and heritage. Reference to the 'sweet mountain air' and 'green hills and rocks' are enshrined in our national anthem and the colours of the heather and gorse are woven into the very fabric of Manx tartan. The hills are a place of great beauty, yet for some they are also a place to work and for others a place to exercise or simply enjoy open space. Our Uplands are also home to plants and animals that whilst familiar to us, are rare and impor tant in a global and European context. Furthermore, the uplands are a rich repository of cultural and archaeological remains, which are sensitive to change and can easily be damaged by inappropriate development. Production of food is an important and obvi ous function of hill land. But surprisingly, the Manx hills provide everyday functions that most people take for granted. Peatlands, which cover most of our hills reduce the impacts of climate change by locking up carbon dioxide, collect and filter our drinking water and slow the passage of rainfall into streams and rivers, thus reducing downstream flood risk. These multiple uses are of great benefit to the economy of the Isle of Man and the well - being of its people. It is important that the hills continue to provide these benefits long into the future. Ensuring sustainable management of such a wide range of uses to the satisfaction of all interested parties whilst retaining functions essential to the well -being of the Isle of Man is of paramount importance. The Isle of Man Government is the owner and landlord for the majority of the Uplands in the East region and is therefore in a position to implement policy which will deliver the optimum range of ecosystem services. Appropriate and positive Upland management such as controlled rotational burning/cutting of heather and low intensity grazing helps to reduce the fuel load of the hill, provides firebreaks and reduces the risk of unplanned wildfires that further protects the biodiversity of the site, but also the vast amounts of carbon locked away in the peat soils. The majority of this work is carried out by The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture's grazing and shooting tenants. The Manx Uplands are critically important from a habitat and biodiversity perspective. The hills in the East support a significant number of breeding hen harriers; however, other native Upland breeding birds such as curlew and red grouse have suffered severe declines in recent decades and as such are of high conservation concern. Strict control of access and recreational activity on vulnerable soils should be implemented to reduce soil erosion and subsequent carbon loss. Curlew and hen harriers are recognised as an internationally important species, while (within the EU) upland heather moorland is designated as a priority habitat. In order to ensure protection and positive management of the Uplands, the following proposal is appropriate: Environment Proposal 6 Uses of the Uplands that contribute to the management and preservation of this distinctive environment will be supported. Dark Skies On the Isle of Man, 26 Dark Sky Discovery Sites have been identified, of which nine are located in the East. They are classified as Milky Way Sites meaning that at these sites the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. The sites are accessible and light pollution is limited. The following Dark Sky Discovery Sites are located within the East: • Port Soderick Upper Car Park • Port Soderick Brooghs, Little Ness Car Park • Mount Murray Golf Club • Onchan Park • West Baldwin Reservoir Car Park • Clypse Kerrowdhoo Reservoir Car Park • Conrhenny Car Park • Ballanette Nature Reserve • Axnfell Plantation Natural Environment Proposal 7 Proposals for development in the vicinity of Dark Sky Discovery Sites are to have minimal outdoor lighting and be encouraged to have a design response which is non-intrusive into the darkness of night. Baffling and directionality of lighting must be sensitive to contain any necessary lighting within a subject site only. Watercourses and Wetlands The collection of hills in the East has produced a network of mountain streams which gradually join and widen to become the rivers flowing out into Douglas Bay, Port Groudle a

Respect the local character and identity

pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''

General need for additional housing from 2011 -2026

Housing Policy 1: The housing needs of the Island will be met by making provision for sufficient development opportunities to enable 5,100 additional dwellings (net of demolitions), and including those created by conversion, to be built over the Plan period 2011 to 2026. 8.4.10 Analysis of the residential land availability statistics as well as preliminary examination of the potential of existing settlements, show that there is sufficient land to satisfy the demand for housing in lin e with the existing Island Spatial Strategy up until 2026. It is acknowledged that some land in and around the Main Centre (Douglas) is limited and that land designated on some extant development plans has been slow at coming forward for development. There appear to be a number of reasons for this ranging from the unwillingness of land owners to release land for development, the quality and location of that land , through to economic pressures; all of which may partly explain the decline in planning applica tions being submitted for new dwellings over the last decade or more. It will be necessary to address any land shortages as well as the suitability and deliverability of residential land as part of the preparation of the Area Plans.

Supply of designated housing land available

Housing Policy 2: The Department will seek to ensure an adequate supply of housing land, based on the level of provision indicated in Housing Policies 1 and 3. The Department will keep under review land that is allocated for residential development in existing Local Plans and in the Area Plans to ensure that the land is available for development, to enable the number of dwellings to be built that are set out in Housing Policy 1. Where it appears to the Department that land that is allocated for development in a Local Plan or an Area Plan is not available for development, then it will consider, through a review of the Area Plan, making alternative land available and retaining the unavailable land in a land -bank for possible future development. In doing so, the Department wi ll have regard to any phasing proposals for the development of land that are identified in the Area Plan. 8.5 Distribution of Housing 8.5.1 Having regard to the Strategic Objectives in Chapter 3 and the Island Spatial Strategy in Chapter 5, the Depart ment proposes that, whilst development opportunities should be distributed within the Island in accordance with the distribution described at paragraph 5.22, there should be a general policy of containment of built development rather than dispersal and where development should be contained within specific areas within the Island rather than scattered randomly within it. In particular, (a) containment produces greater efficiency and sustainability in terms of the provision of essential infrastructure (power, drainage, roads, schools, water and other utilities); (b) containment minimises the visual intrusion of development in undeveloped areas, thus protecting the significant and unique beauty of the unspoiled areas of the Island and maintaining the majority of the Island for the benefit of agricultural production and nature conservation; (c) the promotion of development in individual villages and towns promotes the interaction of those who live and work there thus promoting the social qualities of life and the provision of social facilities (shops, public houses, cinemas, sport ing facilities etc) in an economical and efficient form; and (d) containment supports the principle of an efficient and effective public transport system whereby access to the system is easily afforded to the majority of the population thus reducing reliance on the private motor vehicle, supporting the reduction of the use of finite fuel resources and reducing the potential for pollution and congestion. 8.5.2 The Consultation Draft of 2000 introduced the concept of a new settlement as a means of accommodating increasing demands for new development, but this idea has been rejected by the Department for the reasons set out in Appendix 3. 8.5.3 The final stage in calculating the overall housing requirement figure is to examine the spatial distribution of househ olds across the North, South, East and West. The approach for this distribution is underpinned by the Island Spatial Strategy set out in Chapter 5 of this Plan. The Department has analysed development trends across the four Areas and made an assessment of the settlements within each of them. Having an understandable method for the distribution of housing across the Island is essential as the Area Plans produced will be the mechanism by which the Department will identify opportunities to deliver housing a nd other associated facilities, services and infrastructure requirements. The Department, having considered the development trends since 2001 , as well as settlement pattern and characteristics, concludes that the spatial distribution of housing for the four Areas should be as set out below. These numbers were rounded, allowing sensible working figures for each Area. Therefore the overall housing requirement figure for the Island is 5100. Spatial distribution based on past development levels (planning approval data) 2001 to 2013 Spatial distribution based on development levels (rounded) North 762 770 South 1118 1120 East 2438 2440 West 762 770 Total 5080 5100 8.5.4 In line with the provisions of the Island Spatial Strategy it is intended that new housing provision should be distributed in the following general way. Area Plans will review existing housing allocations against sustainability criteria and other Policies in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan. Current hous ehold data and approval statistics for new dwellings are set out in Appendix 8.

Defined housing provision per area

Housing Policy 3: The Island's housing need of 5100 additional dwellings between 2011 and 2026 is to be met by a spatial distribution of housing across the North, South, East and West as follows:  North 770  South 1,120  East 2,440  West 770  All-Island 5,100 8.5.5 The Department proposes the following general policy in respect of the location of new housing:

Location of new housing and exceptions

Housing Policy 4: New housing will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions (1) of these towns and villages where identified in adopted Area Plans: otherwise new housing will be permitted in the countryside only in the following exceptional circumstances: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers in accordance with Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10; (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings in accordance with Housing Policy 11; and (c) the replacement of existing rural dwellings and abandoned dwellings in accordance with Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14. 8.5.6 The anticipated increase in the total number of dwellings on the Island over the Plan period is approximately 14%. By administering the programme of Area Plan preparation, the Department will ensure that there is sufficient land zoned for residential development to meet the overall housing requirement figure required by Housing Policy 1. The Department has resolved to prepare under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 four Area Plans which will concentrate upon larger areas of the Island. These will focus on the North, West, East and South of the Island and correspond with those areas discussed at paragraph 5.9 of the Spatial Strategy Chapter. 8.6 Affordable Housing 8.6.1 The Department is concerned about the increasing difficulties of securing the provision of affordable housing across the Island. The Department can, and does as a Housing Authority, intervene financially to provide financial support to local Authorities; financial support to prospective owner occupiers (through the House Purchase Assistance Scheme 2002) and by direct provision of new houses to rent. The provision of affordable housin g is a material consideration in the preparation of the development plan. In the current situation the Department considers that, to secure an adequate provision of affordable housing, it is appropriate to require that any area of land identified for hous ing purposes should include a contribution towards the provision of affordable housing. 8.6.2 There are currently around 1,584 (as at 31 st March 2007) households on the General Housing Waiting List. In addition, there are some 690 (as at 31 st March 2007) households registered with the Department under the House Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS). This indicates a total current need of some 2,274 households for affordable housing. (1) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 8.6.3 In the current circumstances the Department considers that approximately 25 % of new housing provision should take the form of affordable housing. In assessing the appropriate percentage in each instance, the Department will have regard to the fact that the figure is a target over the Plan Period as a whole; to evidence of local housing need; to the nature of the land and viability of the scheme; and to the nature of existing adjacent housing. The 25% provision will be monitored and reviewed as part of any review of the Strategic Plan.

Provisions for 25% affordable Housing

Housing Policy 5: In granting planning permission on land zoned for residential development or in predominantly residential areas the Department will normally require that 25% of provision should be made up of affordable housing. This policy will apply to developments of 8 dwellings or more. The term affordable housing is defined by the Department as housing which is either:  directly provided by the Department; or  directly provided by Local Authorities; or  meets the criteria for the Department's House Purchase Assistance Scheme 2004 (and any successor schemes approved by Tynwald). 8.7 New Housing in Existing Settlements 8.7.1 Recent Local Plans and Area Plans have included development briefs guiding the design and layout of land which is zoned for residential use. Such briefs should not needlessly prescribe design, but should indicate site-specific constraints, the need for provision of public facilities or amenities (such as play areas, neighbourhood shops, or land for schooling, open space, or road improvements), and, if appropriate, the maximum or minimum density and the need for the inclusion of an element of affordable housing. Where these briefs state that an optimum density should be achieved this should not be used as an argument for higher density development which has an adverse effect on the residential amenity of adjoining properties or the character of the area.

proximity to existing public transportation services

Transport Policy 1: New development should, where possible, be located close to existing public transport facilities and routes, including pedestrian, cycle and rail routes.

layouts to link to existing systems

Transport Policy 2: The layout of development should, where appropriate, make provision for new bus, pedestrian and cycle routes, including linking into existing systems. 11.2.5 The Island is fortunate to have an historic vintage rail network, which includes the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway, the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the Groudle Glen Railway and the horse trams which run along Douglas Promenade. Development on or around the rail network should not compromise its attraction as a tourism and leisure facility or the potential for increased use as a public transport system, for examp le as a means of travelling to work. 11.2.6 In addition to the present rail network there exist former railway routes, most notably between Douglas and Peel and from Peel to Ramsey. These trackbeds are predominantly utilised as public footpaths and in som e cases as cycleways as well. A number have been designated utility service corridors which may affect their potential as public transport routes. They should be protected from development which would diminish their attraction or potential as public transport routes.

No impact or compromise upon existing rail routes

Transport Policy 3: New development on or around existing and former rail routes should not compromise their attraction as a tourism and leisure facility or their potential as public transport routes, or cycle / leisure footpath routes. 11.3 Highways and Traffic 11.3.1 The ability of new and existing highways to safely and efficiently accommodate the traffic generated by new development is an important factor when considering the location and layout of new development. Not only must the tr affic routes involved be of a size which is capable of taking the projected volume of traffic but they must also be designed so that points of potential traffic conflict such as junctions and roundabouts are in an appropriate location and of a suitable des ign, including provision for pedestrians. The need for new and improved highways in order to facilitate new development must be balanced against the environmental objectives of this plan.

Highway Safety

Transport Policy 4: The new and existing highways which serve any n ew development must be designed so as to be capable of accommodating the vehicle and pedestrian journeys generated by that development in a safe and appropriate manner, and in accordance with the environmental objectives of this plan. 11.3.2 Notwithstanding policies within this plan which encourage travel by means other than private car it is anticipated that the number of vehicles using the Island's roads will continue to increase. This increase in demand is likely to lead to a greater need for road impro vements in order that travel can take place in a safe, effective, and environmentally acceptable manner. The Department of Transport will continue to assess the need for such improvements to public highways and undertake works where appropriate, with much of the improvement within existing roads carried out under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order2005. The need for improvements to the Island's highway network must be balanced against the environmental objectives of this plan.

Equal weight for vehicles and pedestrians

Transport Policy 6: In the design of new development and transport facilities the needs of pedestrians will be given similar weight to the needs of other road users. 11.5. Car Parking 11.5.1 The level of car parking provided in new development is critical to creating more sustainable development. Too little and the traffic generated can create problems on adjacent streets. Too much can increase congestion and delay public transport. The problem is most severe in existing settlements and at its worst in the Douglas area. 11.5.2 In respect of town centre office development, it has been the Department's usual practice to require the provision of one parking space per 50sq metres of nett office floor space, such parking spaces to be provided preferably on site but otherwise conveniently close to the site. The standard of 1 space per 50sq metres is based on: 1/3 staff walking or cycling: 1/3 travelling by public transport and 1/3 by private car. This provision is very often rather less than the demand created by the development. In the case of office developments outside of the town centre, the requirement is usually one parking space per 15sq metres of nett office floor space, a ratio which reflects more accurately the actual demand for parking space arising from the office use. The Douglas Local Plan did in fact invite consideration of other options whereby either the requirement should be increased such as to meet fully the demand for parking space, or the requirement should be reduced so that, with proper enforcement of on-street parking restrictions, fewer workers would come into town by car. 11.5.3 The long term target is to reduce the level of car parking required for town centre developments and seek to develop more sustainable staff and visitor transport plans including improved public transport, staff buses, shared and pooled cars, cycling and walking. Consideration should be given to the provision of cycle parking for staff and customers in non -residential development and to the provision of secure cycle stores in apartments. In the shorter term, the Department proposes the following general policy in respect of parking provision.

Parking Provisions

Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.

Development and Connectivity to IRIS

Details of connectivity to IRIS

Energy Efficiency