23 November 2020 · Delegated
Land At Lord Street Car Park, Lord Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2bl
Permission was granted for the erection of a marquee and ice rink for seasonal use over a three-month period at the former Lord Street Car Park in Douglas, Isle of Man. The site is approximately 0.52 hectares, located on a prominent corner plot bounded by Lord Street, Parade Street, North Quay, and Harris Lane/Chapel Row. Its former use as a car park means the site is largely hard-surfaced, with a timber fence along the northern and eastern boundaries. The northern section also accommodates an existing bus station. The officer's report identified two key issues: whether the temporary three-month use was acceptable in principle, and the potential impact on traffic and parking. The application was approved with three conditions attached.
The application was permitted on a delegated basis. The two main planning issues considered were whether a three-month temporary use was acceptable and whether traffic and parking would be adequately managed. Both were resolved in favour of approval, subject to three conditions.
Transport Policy 4
would comply with Transport Policy 4
Transport Policy 4: The new and existing highways which serve any n ew development must be designed so as to be capable of accommodating the vehicle and pedestrian journeys generated by that development in a safe and appropriate manner, and in accordance with the environmental objectives of this plan. 11.3.2 Notwithstanding policies within this plan which encourage travel by means other than private car it is anticipated that the number of vehicles using the Island's roads will continue to increase. This increase in demand is likely to lead to a greater need for road impro vements in order that travel can take place in a safe, effective, and environmentally acceptable manner. The Department of Transport will continue to assess the need for such improvements to public highways and undertake works where appropriate, with much of the improvement within existing roads carried out under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order2005. The need for improvements to the Island's highway network must be balanced against the environmental objectives of this plan.
Transport Policy 2
Transport Policy 2: The layout of development should, where appropriate, make provision for new bus, pedestrian and cycle routes, including linking into existing systems. 11.2.5 The Island is fortunate to have an historic vintage rail network, which includes the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway, the Snaefell Mountain Railway, the Groudle Glen Railway and the horse trams which run along Douglas Promenade. Development on or around the rail network should not compromise its attraction as a tourism and leisure facility or the potential for increased use as a public transport system, for examp le as a means of travelling to work. 11.2.6 In addition to the present rail network there exist former railway routes, most notably between Douglas and Peel and from Peel to Ramsey. These trackbeds are predominantly utilised as public footpaths and in som e cases as cycleways as well. A number have been designated utility service corridors which may affect their potential as public transport routes. They should be protected from development which would diminish their attraction or potential as public transport routes.
Transport Policy 7
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.
Transport Policy 1
Transport Policy 1: New development should, where possible, be located close to existing public transport facilities and routes, including pedestrian, cycle and rail routes.
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
Spatial Policy 1
Strategic Policy 10
Strategic Policy 10: New development should be located and designed such as to promote a more integrated transport network with the aim to: (a) minimise journeys, especially by private car; (b) make best use of public transport; (c) not adversely affect highway safety for all users, and (d) encourage pedestrian movement (1) Business Park is defined in Appendix 1 4.6 Social 4.6.1 The provision of an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the wider community is essential; this is in addition to the need to replace existing substandard or poor quality dwellings. Therefore;
Condition 1
1. The marquee (ice rink), facilities tent and service compound hereby approved shall be discontinued and the land restored to its former condition (including removal of all buildings/structures) by 1 March 2021.
Condition 2
2. Visitors/Patrons/Users of the parking spaces as shown on plan 2009/PL 1000 REV C shall not be charged any parking fees.
Condition 3
3. Prior to the operation of the Ice Rink and facilities tent hereby approved, the disabled, staff, parent and child, mini bus and ambulance parking spaces as shown on plan 2009/PL 1000 REV C shall be provided and retained for such uses until the operation of the Ice Rink ceases.
Erection of a leisure-led mixed use development including a 7 screen cinema, 80 bedroom hotel, 20 residential apartments (14 two bed and 6 three bed units), 3 restaurant/cafe units (Class 3), 4 retail units (Class 1), information centre, public toilets, a drivers' welfare area, multi storey car park (198 car spaces and 16 motorbike spaces), back of house area, plant facilities, circulation space, 5 bus stances on Lord Street with associated waiting areas, site development and landscaping works within a series of five to seven storey buildings
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application
Demolition of bus station and creation of temporary pay and display car park
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application
Approval in principle for redevelopment of site to create residential units, retail units, Police Station/Library unit, car parking
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application
Alterations to improve premises and toilet facilities
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application
Redevelopment to provide mixed residential, offices, retail & parking, site of existing Bus Station & car park
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application
Erection of multi-storey car park with office, retail and 14 residential units
The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the determination of this application