29 January 2026 · Delegated
72, Birch Hill Crescent, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 3da
Permission was granted for a single storey extension to the side (east) elevation of the detached bungalow at 72 Birch Hill Crescent, Onchan, along with a widening of the existing driveway. The property is a spar dash rendered bungalow with a steeply pitched concrete tiled roof, situated at the northern end of Birch Hill Crescent in a locality characterised by 1970s to 1980s bungalows. The site previously had a flat-roofed garage at the end of its driveway, which had been demolished prior to this application. The two main planning issues considered were the effect on the character and appearance of the area and building, and transport and highway safety. The application was approved by delegated decision on 29 January 2026, subject to two conditions, with the officer also recommending approval.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 29 January 2026. The key planning considerations were the impact on the character and appearance of the area and building, and transport and highway safety, both of which were found to be acceptable.
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
The proposed development is considered to comply with paragraph 8.12.1 and General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
Paragraph 8.12.1 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
The proposed development is considered to comply with paragraph 8.12.1 and General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
in Recreation Policy 3 and Appendix 6. The latter provides examples of the size and type of provision required. 8.11 Open Space and Recreation 8.12 The Isle of Man Strategic Plan Context 8.12.1 The Isle of Man Strategic Plan identifies that Open Space in towns and villages on the Island forms an integral part of the fabric of community life, taking various forms and serving many purposes. Open Space ranges from the formal, such as formally laid parks and play areas, to the informal, such as open countryside, glens and the extensive public footpath network. The need for Open Space is that it forms part of the Island's heritage as well as being an attractive and usable asset. In the wider context, it provides visual and spiritual relief from the developed urban settlements on the Island, and provides recreational enjoyment in respect of various active and some less active forms of sporting activity. Open Spaces also provide a means of improving the health and fitness of the Island's population.
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 materials to be used in the external finish of the development hereby permitted shall accord with those indicated on Dr No 107 - Proposed elevations and sections.
