Planning Officer Report

Case Officer: Miss Laura Davy Photo Taken: Site Visit: Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

Introduction

1. This application seeks permission for the installation of replacement windows in an end of terrace property which is situated in an area zoned as Mixed Use. The application is considered to be acceptable and in accordance with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of Tower Buildings, Strand Road, Port Erin which is a three storey end of terrace property with basement accommodation below.

1. The site has recently been granted approval for a change of use to retail, café and residential.

1. The site is on a corner plot and is fairly prominent in the street scene.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks approval for the installation of replacement windows at first floor in the front elevation. The existing windows at first floor are timber sliding sash, the second floor windows are uPVC casements.

1. The replacement windows would be constructed of uPVC and would be top hung outward opening casements with a 50/50 split. The ground floor shop front windows are timber, they are to be retained but repair work would be carried out.

Planning History

1. The previous application is considered specifically material in the assessment of the current application:

PA 11/01472/C Change of use of premises to a café, tearoom and retail – approved

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is in an area zoned as “Mixed Use” identified on the Port Erin Local Plan 1990. Given the nature of the application it is appropriate to consider Planning Circular 1/98.

1. Planning Circular 1/98 category c) Buildings erected before 1921 and not falling within categories a) OR b), which have largely retained their original character.

i) Buildings in an Urban setting

Application No.:	11/01625/B
Applicant:	Mr William Tindale
Proposal:	Installation of replacement windows
Site Address:	Tower Buildings Strand Road Port Erin Isle Of Man IM9 6HE

In an individual building, or group of buildings, whose principle elevations are readily visible from a public thoroughfare, if the original windows are in place, it may be possible to repair and renovate them. This can take place without permission, and will be encouraged by the Department. If repair is impracticable, or existing windows are not the originals, the preference will be for replacement windows in the said principal elevations to have the same method of opening as the originals. Whatever the material used in their construction, the windows must have the same or similar pattern of glazing bars and the same frame sections as the original windows.

Windows not part of the principal elevations and which are not readily visible from a public thoroughfare should preferably have the same or similar pattern of glazing bars as the originals, but not necessarily the original method of opening, whatever the material used in their construction.

Consultations

1. Highways Division has not commented
2. Port Erin Commissioners have recommended that the application be approved.

Assessment

1. Whilst the replacement windows would not be sliding sash they would have a 50/50 split. The 50/50 split glazing sections would be similar to that of sliding sash. The replacement windows would not have the character and appearance of the originals but they would comply with the Planning Circular in that they would have similar glazing sections as the originals.
2. For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval.

Party Status

1. The local authority, Port Erin Commissioners is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 13.01.2012

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

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 installation of replacement windows at first floor level in the front elevation as shown on Location Plan, Letter and Photographs received 12th December 2012

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

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 13/1/12

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed : _________________________ Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer

Signed : _________________________ Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control

Signed : _________________________ Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

Signed : _________________________ Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager