20 January 2026 · Delegated
Callow Matthewman & Co, 29-31, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 1ar
The proposal is the conversion of an existing office building into two dwellinghouses at 29-31 Hope Street in Douglas. The site is described as a three-storey mid-terrace office building on the southeast of Hope Street, which previously would have been two separate properties but is currently combined and operates as one office space. The building includes rear hardstanding with informal tandem parking for 6 vehicles. The application was approved by delegated decision, with the decision notice stating that it was determined to approve the application. The officer report identified key issues including the principle of the development, impacts on the occupier’s amenities, effects on neighbouring amenities, and highway and parking provisions.
The application was determined to approve the conversion of offices into two dwellinghouses. The officer report set out key considerations including the principle of the development, impacts on amenities (for the user and neighbours), and highway and parking provisions. Based on the decision notice, the final outcome is approval. The formal decision record lists 2 conditions.
Area Plan for the East
some residential uses will be acceptable
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
policies that are considered materially relevant
Residential Design Guide July 2021
considered to be of relevance
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved details of secure covered cycle parking, bin storage together with two off road parking spaces shall be submitted in writing for approval by the Department and these shall be completed prior to occupation of either dwelling. Such areas shall not be used for any other purpose and shall remain free of obstruction for such use at all times.
