4 January 2016 · Committee
4, Thornton Avenue, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4nu
The application sought permission to alter and extend a two-storey semi-detached dwelling at 4 Thornton Avenue, Douglas, with additions to both the rear and side elevations. The site sits on the southern side of Belmont Hill and has a large rear garden that slopes down towards a rear lane, bounded by hedging and fencing. The key planning considerations were the effect on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties at Nos. 2, 3, and 5 Thornton Avenue, the impact on the enjoyment of the application dwelling itself, and the effect on the appearance of Thornton Avenue and Belmont Hill as seen from the street. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 4 January 2016, with one condition attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture permitted the proposal. The officer also recommended approval. The assessment focused on whether the extension would harm neighbouring amenity, the occupiers' own enjoyment of the property, and the character of the local street scene, and the application was found acceptable on those grounds.
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.
installation of a dormer to rear the elevation
erection of a conservatory over proposed new French doors
This previous planning application was refused at appeal by virtue of the drop in levels between No. 10 and 9 Thornton Avenue; the conservatory would be unneighbourly and would result in overlooking and possible outlook and loss of light.
