14 July 2020 · Delegated
Ballaquayle Infants School, Thorny Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5ee
Permission was granted for the erection of an outdoor classroom at Scoill Yn Jubilee primary school on Stoney Road, Douglas. The school sits within a predominantly residential part of the town, with its main building fronting Thorny Road and a hard-surfaced playground to the south. The proposed outdoor classroom was to be located in a quasi-trapezium garden and learning area to the southwest corner of the school block, which is at a lower elevation than the main building and connected to it by a dirt lane. Two tall trees are present within this area. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application, having considered the need for the facility, its location and scale, visual impact on the surrounding area, and access and amenity for pupils. Two conditions were attached to the permission, and an amended location plan was submitted during the process to clarify the site.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 14 July 2020. The key planning considerations were the need for the outdoor classroom, its location and scale within the school grounds, its visual impact on the surrounding residential area, and access and amenity for pupils.
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
Community Policy 5
Community Policy 5: Permission will generally be given for proposals to improve or extend existing schools and institutions of higher education and to build new schools, subject to their being sited and designed in accordance with the other policies of this plan, having particular regard to the potential for community use of the buildings and the associated Open Space. 10.11 Community Health Care Facilities 10.11.1 Health care facilities such as nursing homes, residential homes, or training centres are usually sited within residential areas, but can generate activity and traffic which has detrimental effects on the amenity and character of these areas. The following policy is therefore adopted.
Planning Circular 1/91
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The protection measures and construction methods detailed in the Tree Survey and Report submitted in support of the application shall be adhered to in full. No retained tree shall be cut down, uprooted, or wilfully destroyed during the development phase and thereafter within 5 years from the completion date, other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars or as may be permitted by prior approval in writing from the Department.
