31 October 2018 · Delegated
159, Fairways Approach, Mount Murray, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 2jh
The application sought to enlarge an existing window and create three patio doors on the rear elevation of a three-storey contemporary detached house in the Fairways Approach development at Mount Murray. Because all the alterations are confined to the rear elevation, they are not visible from any public highway or open area, meaning the impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area is minimal. The enlarged openings follow the form and layout of existing ones, and the increased glazing is considered appropriate to the property's contemporary design. On energy efficiency, the plans confirmed all new installations would be double-glazed to Window Energy Rating A+ or equivalent, satisfying the Isle of Man Strategic Plan's requirement to have due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. Neighbouring properties at Nos. 158 and 160 are positioned and angled such that the increased glazing would not cause any additional overlooking, and the proposal was found to have no harmful effect on neighbour amenity.
The proposal was approved because the alterations are entirely to the rear elevation and invisible from public areas, keeping visual impact to a minimum. The enlarged openings follow existing ones in form and layout, the increased glazing suits the contemporary character of the dwelling, and the use of A+-rated double glazing addresses energy efficiency concerns. No harm to neighbouring amenity was identified given the positioning of adjacent properties.
Braddan Local Plan 1991
identifies the site and immediate surroundings as zoned for tourism in parkland
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
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.
