17 January 2017 · Delegated
7-17, Wellington Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2as
This application sought advertisement consent for the erection of a digital hoarding on the left-hand gable of the western elevation of 7–17 Wellington Street, Douglas. The gable forms part of a pair with a relatively plain rendered surface and two arched features on the upper portion. The application was refused by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 17 January 2017, in line with the officer's recommendation. The decision found that the digital hoarding would display a variety of changing images advertising generic products unrelated to the building itself. The key planning concern was that the rotating digital content would create unwarranted clutter, detracting from the visual character and appearance of the area.
The application was refused on 17 January 2017. The proposed digital hoarding would display changing generic advertisements unrelated to the building, creating visual clutter that would harm the appearance of the area. This was found to conflict with the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
Refusal Reasons
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.
General Policy 7
Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted.
General Policy 7: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted. 6.6.3 Within rural areas, advertisements can be disruptive features which affect adversely the appearance of the landscape and the countryside. Lighting can pollute the night sky, and may be contrary to nature conservation interests.
