2 April 2020 · Delegated
31, Parliament Street, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 1at
This application sought permission to erect a wall with a gate providing access to the rear yard of 31 Parliament Street, Ramsey. The property is a four-storey mid-terrace building located to the south of Parliament Street. The main planning consideration was the potential impact of the proposed wall and gate on the character and appearance of the surrounding Conservation Area and the individual property. The application was assessed and approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture under delegated powers. Permission was granted on 2 April 2020, subject to one condition as set out in the decision notice.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 2 April 2020. The key planning consideration was whether the wall and gate would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the property itself. The proposal was found acceptable and permission was granted subject to one condition.
There will be a general presumption in favour of retention of retail uses at ground floor level in the main shopping streets (Peel Street, Bourne Place, Market Hill, Market Place, (West), Parliament Street (excluding Auckland Terrace), East Street, Parliament Square (East Side). Office uses (including finance related establishments) at ground floor level will not be permitted to occupy more than 30% of the street frontage in any one block between public and vehicular highways in these streets
The Local Plan contains a policy, R/TC/P1 which states:
n space. It is recommended that the D.L.G.E., in consultation with the Commissioners, should seek to improve and enhance the amount and quality of open space within the town centre (reference: Policy R/TC/P16). It is also considered that improvements to advertising and signage can enhance the visual qualities of the town centre and, where appropriate, agreed measures should be implemented at the earliest opportunity (reference: Policy R/TC/P17). ## Policies and Recommendations
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: - (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; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality;
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
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
Environment Policy 35 reads:
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.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
