12 March 2026 · Committee
Part Of Playing Fields, Nobles Park, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 6da
The proposal relates to an additional use and extension of time for a TT and Festival of Motorcycling hospitality facility previously approved for the Food and Drink Festival. The site is at Nobles Park, Douglas, on the northern side of the park’s open fields, just south of Glencrutchery Road and to the west of the TT Grandstand, and is described as relatively flat. The nearest residential properties are on Charles Court apartments, across Glencrutchery Road, approximately 107+ metres from the northwestern corner of the proposed building. The decision was made by the Planning Committee, and the application was approved subject to four conditions. The main issues considered included the principle of development, potential impact on neighbouring residential amenities, effect on the character and appearance of the area, and access and parking.
The Planning Committee determined to approve the application for the additional use and extension of time of the TT and Festival of Motorcycling hospitality facility. The decision addressed key issues including the principle of development, impacts on neighbouring residential amenities, the character and appearance of the area, and access and parking. The determination is recorded as approved on 2026-03-12, and four conditions were imposed.
Development Control considerations
complies 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
prevention of emissions/pollution which would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
protected of Open Space and recreation facilities
Recreation Policy 2: Development which would adversely affect, or result in the loss of Open Space or a recreation facility that is or has the potential to be, of recreational or amenity value to the community will not be permitted except in the following circumstances: (a) where alternative provision of equivalent community benefit and of equivalent or better accessibility is made available; and (b) where there would be an overall com munity gain from the development, and the particular loss of the open space or recreation facility would have no significant unacceptable effect on local open space or recreation provision or on the character or amenity of the area. 10.3.6 In the case of residential developments for 10 or more dwellings, the Department proposes to adopt the following general standards (which refer to the area required per 1000 head of population): Recreational Open Space Sports Pitches 1.8 ha Children's Play Space 0.6 ha Amenity Space 0.8 ha 10.3.7 These general standards will be applied having regard to the following circumstances: (i) the size, type, and particular needs of the resident population in question; (ii) the needs of visitors to the area; and (iii) the proximity and availability of existing Open Space, including the foreshore, public glens and parks, and school fields which may be available for public use outside of school hours. More detail is set out in Appendix 6. 10.3.8 The Department has therefore adopted the following policy such as to plan positively for the provision of well-designed recreational and amenity space.
Parking Standards
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.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
In any given calendar year, the marquee shall not be in situ more than 14 days before the first day of practice week for the TT, and shall be removed by the earlier of either: 14 days after the last day of the Food Festival; or the 14th October.
Condition 3
In any given calendar year, should the marquee for the Food Festival not occur/not be required it shall be removed 14 days after the last day of the Festival of Motorcycling. The site shall be restored to its former condition within 14 days of the marquee being removed.
Condition 4
No customers, visitors, guests or patrons shall occupy the marquee in connection with the Food Festival outside the following hours: Monday to Saturdays - 1000hrs to 2100hrs Sundays - 1100hrs to 1800hrs
Erection of a hospitality facility for the TT and Festival of Motorcycling, including use for additional events
Erection of a temporary building to be used as a bar and hospitality facility during the TT and Festival of Motoring periods
nearby site
Erection of a temporary 240 bed hotel and marquee for a two week period (Practice and TT Race weeks) on a permanent basis
nearby site