15 July 2020 · Delegated
Villiers Building, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2ln
Permission was granted for alterations to the ground floor of the Villiers Building on Victoria Street, Douglas. The works included a new shop front, installation of two ATMs, and relocation of a doorway. The application was submitted by Lloyds Banking Group. The building is a five-storey modern office block on the corner of Victoria Street and Loch Promenade, with elevations characterised largely by curtain windows and an existing shop front. The ground floor was vacant at the time of the application. The main planning consideration was the effect of the proposed changes on the character and appearance of the street scene and the Conservation Area.
The application was approved by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority. The key planning consideration was whether the changes would harm the character and appearance of the street scene and the Conservation Area, and the proposal was found acceptable on those grounds. The formal decision record lists 1 condition.
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
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
Within Conservation Areas, the department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
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.
Condition 1
The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Installation of two replacement ATMs
The location and size of these advertisements are similar to the proposed.
Erection of window vinyl signage to rear elevation of the building
The location and size of these advertisements are similar to the proposed.
Erection of illuminated advertising signage
The location and size of these advertisements are similar to the proposed.
