15 May 2017 · Committee
Saddle Mews Nursing Home, Saddle Mews, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 1hy
Permission was granted for the conversion and extension of the former Saddle Mews Nursing Home on Groves Road, Douglas, to provide 34 residential apartments. The building, a predominantly red brick three-storey structure with a mansard-style roof built in the late 1980s or early 1990s, sits adjacent to the NSC and is accessed directly off Groves Road. These included revised proposals for tree removal and replacement following the discovery that two sycamores were diseased with Brittle Cinder fungus, the introduction of lobbies to each studio to address Fire Service requirements, clarification of refuse storage and access, and revisions to the car parking layout. A commuted sum in lieu of on-site affordable housing was also agreed. The committee permitted the application on 15 May 2017, in line with the officer's recommendation to approve.
The application was permitted by committee on 15 May 2017. The officer recommended approval, and the key planning issues considered included whether the location was suitable for residential use following the loss of the nursing home, the amenity of future occupiers, the effect on the character of the area, and access and parking arrangements.
Predominantly Residential
the application site is zoned as Predominantly Residential
Strategic Policy 1
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
Strategic Policy 2 - Priority for new development to identified towns and villages
Strategic Policy 2: New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions(2) of these towns and villages. Development will be permitted in the countryside only in the exceptional circumstances identified in paragraph 6.3. (1) Open Space is defined in Appendix 1. (2) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 4.3.2 Appendix 3 to the Plan identifies the towns and villages, and also explains why the Department has rejected the idea of a new settlement, which was mooted in the Consultation Draft published in May 2000. 4.3.3 Each of our towns and villages has an ind ividual character arising not only from its geographical position and existing fabric, but also from its historical, cultural, and social background. This character should be protected and enhanced. Accordingly:
Housing Policy 17
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
