19 January 2016 · Delegated
Plot 3b, Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 1al
Permission was granted for the installation of three air handling units, a transformer, and condensers in the rear yard of a data centre at Units 3B, 3C and 3D, Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas. The application was partly retrospective, meaning some of the equipment had already been installed before permission was sought. The site sits within an industrial estate. Neighbouring uses include an indoor climbing facility to the rear, a vehicle garage to the north east, and a builder's yard to the south west. The officer assessed the visual impact of the structures, the noise generated by the system, and the potential effect on the amenity of neighbouring units. The application was approved on a delegated basis, subject to one condition, after the officer concluded it was consistent with the relevant strategic planning policy for the Isle of Man.
The application was permitted, subject to one condition. The officer concluded that the proposal met the relevant strategic planning policy, having assessed the visual impact of the equipment, potential noise from the system, and effects on the amenity of neighbouring units.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
the planning application accords with the provisions set out in General Policy 2
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
