29 September 2016 · Delegated
103 Viking Apartments, St. Pauls Square, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 1lh
This application sought permission to change the use of unit 103 Viking Apartments, located on the first floor of the eastern section of the former Viking Aparthotel in St Pauls Square, Ramsey, from tourist accommodation to residential use. The wider building is a large mixed-use development containing retail, residential, tourist accommodation, and office uses. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 29 September 2016 under delegated powers. The officer's recommendation was also to permit the change of use. The main planning issues considered were the amenity of future residential occupants, the effect on on-street parking in the surrounding area, and whether the proposal would harm the character of the Conservation Area in which the building sits. One condition was attached to the permission.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 29 September 2016. The officer also recommended approval. Key planning considerations included the amenity of future occupants, on-street parking, and the effect on the character of the Conservation Area.
General Policy 2
it is considered that the planning application is in accordance with 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
Housing Policy 17
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.
Environment Policy 36
Environment Policy 36: Where development is proposed outside of, but close to, the boundary of a Conservation Area, this will only be permitted where it will not detrimentally affect important views into and out of the Conservation Area. 7.31 Advertisements in Conservation Areas 7.31.1 Some advertisements found and proposed in Conservation Areas are inappropriate and do not reflect the special character and designation of the area. The design of advertisements should respect the physical appearance of the premises in order to integrate re adily with its surroundings. Traditional details, hanging signs and hand painted signage are most appropriate and will be encouraged.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Change of use of second floor apartments to office accommodation.
This approval relates to apartments 231 to 242 inclusive, which are now subject to this current application
Change of use from tourist accommodation to permanent studio apartments.
This approval relates to apartments 110 and 111 on the first floor of the eastern section of the building
Change of use from tourist to residential.
This approval relates to apartments 243 to 253 on the second floor of the southern section of the building
Change of use from tourist to residential.
This approval relates to apartments 103 to 105, 107 to 109 and 112 on the first floor of the eastern section of the building
Conversion of existing offices to twelve permanent apartments.
This approval relates to apartments Units 231-242 on the second floor of the eastern section of the building