8 September 2023 · Delegated
Cancer Support Unit, The Nobles Hospital Site, Postal Locality, Strang, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 4rj
Permission was granted for the erection of a Cancer Information and Support Centre with associated parking at Nobles Hospital, Strang, Douglas, Isle of Man. The application was submitted by Mannin Cancers and decided on 8 September 2023. The proposed building would sit on a parcel of land currently laid to grass, with trees along its outskirts, located directly in front of and to the south of the main entrance to Nobles Hospital. The application was approved under delegated authority, with six conditions attached to the permission.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 8 September 2023. The proposal was permitted, with six conditions attached to the consent.
Strategic Policies 1 and 2
direct development towards existing towns and villages to make best use of existing infrastructure
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
Strategic Policies 1 and 2
direct development towards existing towns and villages to make best use of existing infrastructure
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:
General Policy 2
respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping
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
Community Policy 6
permits new community health care facilities
Community Policy 6: New community health care facilities and extensions to existing facilities will be permitted provided that they: a) would not result in an over concentration of such uses in a particular area; b) would not have an unacceptable effect on the residential or prevailing character or amenity of the area; c) would be easily accessible; and d) would not have an unacceptable impact on the local highway network. Regard should be had also to the parking standards set out in Appendix 7. 10.12 Police Service 10.12.1 Government is improving community safety through reducing the incidence of crime. The Isle of Man Constabulary is the principal agency for crime reduction and the Department works closely with the Constabulary to ensure that crime reduction is considered as part of the assessment of planning applications and new building by the Department. The Department has adopted the principles of Secured by Design (SBD) in the design of its own schemes and through the planning process. The Constabulary have suggested that this should be extended to incorporate the principles of Designing Out Crime. This includes SBD but also incorporates the principles of Defensible Space, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Situational Crime Prevention(1). Accordingly: (1) See www.securedbydesign.com for further details
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
All vehicular, access and parking arrangements must be laid out in full accordance with Drawing No. 10-02 rev G prior to the occupation of the building and retained as such thereafter.
Condition 3
Notwithstanding the details submitted within the landscaping plan, no non-native species shall be planted and details of alternative species shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority prior to the landscaping plan being implemented.
Condition 4
The landscaping plan (as amended by condition 3) shall be implemented in the first planting season following the completion of the development.
Condition 5
No external lighting shall be provided except in accordance with a plan to be submitted to and approved in writing with the Planning Authority. Any approved lighting shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.
Condition 6
The protection measures and construction methods detailed in the Tree Protection Plan dates 17/10/23 TP-170123A submitted in support of the application shall be adhered to in full.