10 January 2011 · Delegated
50-52, Murrays Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 3hw
The property is a large, double-fronted Victorian building at the north-western end of a terrace on Murrays Road, Douglas. The existing windows are painted timber sliding sashes and casements with a 50/50 pane split, considered to be the originals. The proposal was to replace these with white uPVC top-hung casements, also with a 50/50 split, across the front, gable, and rear elevations. The existing front door, fanlight, and sidelights were timber but not original, with part of the fanlight already blocked up; these were also proposed to be replaced in white uPVC. The site is not within a Conservation Area and sits in a predominantly residential zone. The key policy test was Policy 7 of Planning Circular 1/98, which applies to window replacements on urban buildings that have largely retained their original character outside conservation areas.
The application was approved because the proposed uPVC windows replicate the frame sections and glazing bar patterns of the original timber sashes, satisfying the relevant policy on window replacement in urban areas outside conservation areas.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
The relevant planning policy from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 is General Policy 2.
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
Planning Circular 1/98 (The Alteration and Replacement of Windows)
Policy 7 from Planning Circular 1/98 (The Alteration and Replacement of Windows), is considered to be relevant to this proposal.
