5 June 2020 · Delegated
1, Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2hh
The proposal was to replace three existing light box signs running above the shop windows on the south and east elevations of 1 Harris Promenade. The replacement signs would be the same size as the existing but with a thinner back box, 8mm push-through LED letters, and no internal illumination of the background — only the letters themselves would be lit. The red lettering of the existing signs would be removed. The site sits within the Douglas Promenade Conservation Area, so the key planning issue was whether the new signage would preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area. The officer found that the more restrained LED illumination — with only the letters lit rather than the whole box — was gentler than the existing light boxes and would blend more easily with the Victorian architectural character of the Conservation Area. The design was also found to meet the requirement under Environment Policy 37 that internally illuminated box fascias be excluded, since the back box itself carries no internal lighting.
The application was approved because the replacement signage, while the same size as the existing, uses push-through LED letters with an unlit background rather than a fully illuminated box. This was judged to reduce visual impact on the Conservation Area and to comply with the policy requirement excluding internally illuminated box fascias. The proposal was found to meet the relevant strategic plan policies on design, advertisement display, and Conservation Area protection.
General Policy 2
This application is considered to comply with 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
General Policy 5
General Policy 5: Where breaches of planning control occur, and where the Department considers it exped ient to do so, enforcement action will be taken in accordance with Part 4 of, and Schedule 4 to the 1999 of the Town and Country Planning Act. 6.6 Advertisements 6.6.1 The Department controls the display of advertisements in the interests of amenity or public safety, under the Control of Advertisements Regulations 2005. 6.6.2 Within our towns and villages, well designed and sensitively sited advertisements can contribute positively to the character of a building or area, and can be of help to the genera l public. However, advertisements which are too bright, overlarge or poorly sited may endanger safety by distracting or confusing highway users and may, both individually and cumulatively, detract from amenity by being intrusive, by introducing clutter an d visual confusion or by masking features of interest or attraction.
Environment Policy 35
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
Environment Policy 37
Environment Policy 37: As a general policy, advertisements within Conservation Areas will be permitted only if: i) the proposal preserves or enhances the Conservation Area; ii) the signage is in a style appropriate to the character of the area; iii) traditional materials and finishes are used and glossy and highly reflective materials are excluded from proposals; and iv) internally illuminated box fascia and projecting box signs are excluded from the proposals.
General Policy 6
the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies that are considered materially relevant
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
Condition 1
The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
