18 October 2011 · Committee
2 Northcroft, Malew Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1lt
The application sought permission to partly convert an existing garage and add a rear extension at 2 Northcroft, Malew Street, Castletown, to create additional living accommodation. The Planning Committee refused the application on 18 October 2011. The sole stated reason was that removing the garage from use for vehicle parking would leave inadequate space to park two cars in a usable way. The case officer had recommended approval. During a site visit on 2 September 2011, the officer observed a single car on the driveway with apparent room for a second vehicle alongside, without encroaching onto the public highway. The committee nonetheless concluded the parking provision would be insufficient.
The Planning Committee refused the application. The stated reason was that converting part of the garage would remove usable parking space, leaving insufficient room to park two vehicles in a practical way. This was despite the case officer recommending approval, having observed during a site visit that the driveway appeared to accommodate two cars without blocking the public highway.
Refusal Reasons
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
there will be a general presumption in favour of extensions to existing property where such extensions would not have an adverse impact on either adjacent property or the surrounding area in general
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.
