29 November 2017 · Delegated
Manx Telecom, 15-17, Strand Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2ed
The proposal involved physical alterations to the Manx Telecom building on Strand Street, including twin replacement shopfronts to both the main street frontage and the rear side alleyway, a replacement bin store, and a change of use of part of the ground and first floors from back-office space to retail with ancillary offices. The rear alleyway, described as well-maintained but uninviting, was identified as a particular opportunity: introducing a new shopfront there at an appropriate scale would bring active use to a currently unwelcoming part of the town centre. On the main frontage, the existing fully glazed shopfront was considered attractive, but the addition of vertical cladding was judged to break up an otherwise undifferentiated ground floor and improve visual interest. The addition of seating areas was noted as a small but material community benefit.
The amended uses were considered appropriate to the town centre location, with the additional retail floorspace welcomed in principle. Both the front and rear shopfront designs were judged to improve the building's appearance, and activating the rear alleyway was seen as a positive contribution to the town centre. No highway safety concerns were raised, and the proposal was approved with one condition to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented permissions.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
