27 October 2011 · Delegated
Albert Road School, Albert Road, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2ej
The former Albert Road School site on the southern side of Albert Road had already been partially converted into a car park, accessed via a slip road to the west. Part of the site remained unfinished with a bitmac surface. The proposal was to extend the car park into this south-eastern portion, adding 32 spaces within a 40m by 19.6m area, using the existing gate and access through the current car park. The officer considered the extension sensible given that the land was already surfaced and the site had no immediate prospect of development for another use. On-street and public parking in and around Ramsey town centre is limited, making the additional spaces a practical benefit. No adverse impacts were identified: the use was compatible with the prevailing land use under General Policy 2, and the only material change was vehicles occupying an area that was previously vacant.
The extension was approved because it made use of an already-surfaced but vacant part of the site, addressed limited town centre parking, and raised no adverse impacts on the surrounding area, highway safety, or neighbouring land uses.
General Policy 2
As the use is compatible with the prevailing land use, General Policy 2 is applicable
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
