10 May 2016 · Delegated
6, Highfield Crescent, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 3bh
Permission was granted for alterations and extensions to a detached bungalow called Treetops at 6 Highfield Crescent, Onchan. The property is a white rendered bungalow with a flat-roof garage attached by a hallway link, typical of the surrounding area in Birch Hill at the northern end of Onchan village. The main planning consideration was the impact of the proposed works on the character and appearance of the existing dwelling, the wider street scene, and neighbouring properties. The neighbouring property at No. 8 Highfield Crescent is set slightly higher than the application site, which was noted as a relevant factor. The application was decided by a Senior Planning Officer under delegated authority and was approved subject to one condition.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 10 May 2016, subject to one condition. The officer recommended approval, finding the proposal acceptable in terms of its impact on the character and appearance of the dwelling, the surrounding area, and neighbouring properties.
Strategic Plan
As a general policy, in built up areas not controlled by Conservation Area or Registered Building policies, 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.
Strategic Plan
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
Onchan Local Plan
Extensions and alterations to existing residential property will generally not be opposed where such proposals are appropriate in terms of scale, massing, design, appearance and impact on adjacent property.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.