29 November 2017 · Delegated
Manx Telecom, 15-17, Strand Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2ed
The application sought consent for a mix of illuminated and non-illuminated signs on the Manx Telecom building on Strand Street, Douglas, including a projecting sign positioned above ground floor level. The officer noted that the proposed signage was not markedly different in appearance, size, or location from what was already on the building, and that the existing signs, while not fully matching previously approved drawings, were considered appropriately subtle in visual terms. The above-ground-floor projecting sign was acknowledged as slightly beyond the norm, but was judged not so high, large, or dominant as to draw the eye unduly. Illumination was not considered a concern for neighbouring amenity because no residential uses were identified nearby, and the part of the building most likely to be affected by the higher sign is within the applicant's own ownership and has separate retail approval.
The signage was approved because it complied with General Policy 6 (GP6): it was visually subtle, not significantly different from existing signs on the building, posed no highway safety hazard, and its illumination raised no amenity concerns given the absence of nearby residential uses.
General Policy 6
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
