21 June 2016 · Committee
15a, Westminster Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4ej
Permission was granted for the erection of two garages with hardstanding on a roughly rectangular parcel of land to the rear of 15 Westminster Drive, Douglas. The site currently contains two timber sheds and a greenhouse, and sits to the northwest of Ballakermeen High School. The officer's report identified three main planning considerations: the visual impact of the garages on the street scene, the effect on the living conditions of neighbouring residents, and highway safety. The site's position behind existing houses means it is largely screened from Westminster Drive, and the report noted that similar flat-roofed garages already exist along the rear access lane. The application was permitted by committee on 21 June 2016, subject to three conditions.
The application was permitted by committee, subject to three conditions. The officer recommended approval, finding that the site's position behind existing residential properties meant views from the public highway were very limited, and that concerns about visual impact, neighbour amenity, and highway safety were considered acceptable.
General Policy 2
Isle of Man 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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The garages hereby approved shall be used for the parking of private cars and domestic related storage only and shall not be used for the parking of commercial vehicles and/or for the repair/maintenance of commercial vehicles. Reason: To safeguard the residential character and amenities of the area.
Condition 3
No servicing of or repairs to vehicles shall be undertaken outside the garages hereby approved or on the hereby approved hardstanding area within the application site. Reason: To safeguard the amenities of occupiers of adjoining properties.
