18 July 2016 · Committee
134, Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 2jg
Permission was granted for a detached garage with studio accommodation above at 134 Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, Douglas, Isle of Man. The application was decided by committee and permitted on 18 July 2016. The officer's report identified two main planning issues: the visual effect of the development on the street scene, taking into account three previous planning decisions relating to the site, and the question of whether the studio space would function as independent self-contained living accommodation. A site visit found the unit already contained a shower room, kitchenette, lounge, and separate bedroom and was in use as self-contained accommodation. An amended plan was submitted during the process to show the garage and the main house as one planning unit, which appears to have been relevant to addressing concerns about the accommodation being used independently of the main dwelling.
The application was permitted by committee on 18 July 2016. The officer recommended approval, and the decision aligned with that recommendation. Key issues considered included the building's visual impact on the street scene in light of previous planning history at the site, and whether the accommodation above the garage would be used for independent self-contained living rather than ancillary use.
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
Braddan Plan 1991
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
