24 July 2020 · Delegated
Hillcrest, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle Of Man, IM4 7ne
Permission was granted for the installation of a heat pump at Hillcrest House, Baldhoon Road, Laxey, Isle of Man. The application was submitted by Manx Utilities Authority and decided on 24 July 2020. The main planning consideration was the potential effect on the streetscene and on neighbouring amenity, with particular attention to noise impact. The application was amended during the process by the submission of a drawing showing the removal of an oil tank from the site. The application was approved by the Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority, subject to two conditions.
The Director of Planning and Building Control approved the application on 24 July 2020. The key planning consideration was the potential impact on the streetscene and neighbouring amenity, particularly noise, which was assessed and found acceptable. The application was also amended during the process to show the removal of an oil tank.
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
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
Energy Policy 4
Development involving alternative sources of energy supply
L/CRB/PR/4
Where an area is designated as a conservation area, special attention must be paid during the consideration of all planning applications with the area, to the desirability of preserving or enhancing its character or appearance
Environment Policy 35
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.
Policy CA/2
When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
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 heat pump hereby approved must not result in a noise that exceeds 42 dB LAeq 5 mins where "LAeq 5 mins" means the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level over 5 minutes when measured at 1 metre external to the centre point of any relevant door or window to any neighbouring building as measured perpendicular to the plane of that relevant door or window.
