18 December 2023 · Committee
Unit F4, Harcourt Drive, Balthane, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 2ah
This application sought permission to change the use of Unit F4, Harcourt Drive, Balthane, Ballasalla from a storage unit to a personal training studio. The site sits within the curtilage of Unit F4 on the western side of the Balthane Industrial Estate in the parish of Malew. The planning officer recommended approval, and the application was formally permitted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 18 December 2023. The decision was subject to two conditions. The main planning issues considered were the principle of the proposed change of use, the potential loss of industrial land, and highway safety. The application was ultimately found to be acceptable on all these grounds.
The application was approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 18 December 2023. The officer also recommended approval. Key issues considered included the principle of the change of use, the potential loss of industrial land, and highway safety.
development standards
broader principles of General Policy 2, a change of use to assembly and leisure would not impact on the wider character and appearance of the area
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2019, the use hereby approved shall be limited to a fitness studio.
Erection of an industrial building with associated parking to replace existing industrial building
Change of use of existing industrial unit to a fitness centre
Conversion of industrial unit to provide ground floor storage (class 2.4) and first floor fitness studio (class 4.4)
