1 December 2017 · Committee
New Market Hall, Market Hill, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2bh
Permission was granted for alterations to the Market Hall on Market Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man. The works included door and window alterations, installation of a flue and ventilation grilles, and external lighting. The application was considered alongside a related consent application for the same site. The main planning concern was whether the proposed works would preserve the building and its setting, and maintain the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The officer report noted that ventilation grilles and flues could appear intrusive if not carefully positioned and finished. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 1 December 2017, subject to three conditions.
The application was approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. The key planning question was whether the proposed works would harm the building, its setting, or the character of the Conservation Area. The works were permitted subject to three conditions, which likely addressed how elements such as ventilation grilles and flues were to be fitted to avoid being visually intrusive.
Development should make the best use of resources
optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
POLICY RB/5 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Registered building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals. Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence.
SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Prior to the installation of any external ventilation grilles or louvres, details of these in terms of material, exact size and appearance and dimensions, must be approved by the Department and the development undertaken in accordance with these details.
Condition 3
The colour of the sides and top of the proposed flues must be approved by the Department prior to the installation of the same.
