30 November 2017 · Delegated
7, Eastfield, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4au
This application sought permission to replace the front door at 7 Eastfield, Douglas, with a new timber door. The property sits within the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area, on a Victorian terrace known as Eastfield, which was laid out as a single planned development with individual architectural details originally protected by legal covenant. The existing door is a panelled timber design in the traditional Victorian style, and the officer considered it likely to be original to the dwelling. The terrace as a whole retains a strong and consistent historic character, with many properties keeping original canopies, sidelights, top lights, and decorative mouldings. The application was refused because the proposed replacement — a timber-framed door with two glazed panels — was considered out of keeping with the established character of the terrace and the conservation area. It was judged that the new door would fail to preserve the appearance of the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area.
The application was refused because the proposed replacement door, despite having a timber frame, would include two glazed panels that would not match the character of the existing Victorian-style panelled door. The existing door is considered likely original to the terrace and forms part of a highly consistent historic streetscape within the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area. Replacing it with the proposed design was judged to harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.
Refusal Reasons
Environment Policy 35
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
General Policy 2
relevant parts of 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
