Officer Planning Report 11/01193/D

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:11753}} ### Considerations {{table:11750}} ### Written Representations None received at time of drafting report ### Consultations {{table:11751}} {{table:11752}}

Officer's Report

Introduction

1. This application seeks permission for the installation of new signage on an existing retail unit situated within the main shopping street of Douglas.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of 15-17 Strand Street, Douglas, a retail units situated on the western side of the street.

The Proposal

1. This application seeks approval for the installation advertising signage to the building consisting of lettering and the corporate logo of the applicant to be installed on the fascia along with a projecting sign which would also display the name and logo of the applicant.

Planning Status

1. The application site is located within an area identified as being Predominantly Shopping by the Douglas Local Plan. The site is not within a Conservation Area.

1. General Policy 6 of the Strategic Plan relates to proposals for signage. It states:

"Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they:

• (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed;
• (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and
• (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard."

Planning History

1. There have been a number of applications relating to signage and shop fronts for this building. These were all related to previous businesses that have operated from the building. None of these applications are judged to be relevant to this proposal.
2. 11/01194/B seeks approval for a new shop front which would be constructed as part of this proposal.

Representations

1. The Highways Division of the Department of Infrastructure has commented on this application, stating that the projecting sign must not be lower than 2.3 metres. It is 3.4 metres from ground level and as such complies with this requirement.
2. Douglas Corporation does not object to this application.

Assessment

1. The main issue to be assessed in the determination of this application is whether the signage would meet the requirements of GP6.
2. The signage is judged to be of a high quality that would compliment the shop front proposed under 11/01194/B. It would relate well to the building and would not cause any unacceptable highway issues.
3. It is judged that the proposal would represent a marked improvement to the building and wider area.

Recommendation

Permit.

Party Status

It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded Interested Party Status:

Douglas Corporation

Accordingly the following parties are not granted Interested Party Status:

The Highways Division and the Planning Authority are both part of the Department of Infrastructure. As such, the Highways Division cannot be afforded Interested Party Status.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 26.09.2011

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This permission relates to the erection of advertising signage, 15 - 17 Strand Street, Douglas as shown by Location Plan, Site, D405-EL-01 and IM-MT/2011/01 received 24th August 2011.

I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Development Control Manager.

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 26/9/11

Signed : Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Delete as appropriate

Signed : Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager