30 March 2017 · Delegated
Unit 7-8, Douglas Head Industrial Estate, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bf
Permission was granted for alterations to Bays 9, 10 and 11 at Old Quarry Douglas Head Industrial Estate to allow a change of use from a furniture showroom to a motor vehicle body repair and mechanical workshop. The officer assessed two main issues: whether the proposed use was acceptable in principle, and whether it would harm the character of the area or affect neighbouring properties. The site is described as a fairly small industrial estate with a collection of commercial buildings and a large car parking area, which was relevant to both considerations. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on a delegated basis on 30 March 2017, with one condition attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 30 March 2017. The key planning considerations were the acceptability of the proposed use in principle and whether it would affect the character of the area and neighbouring properties. The site sits within a small industrial estate with commercial buildings and ample car parking, which supported the case for this type of use.
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
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
Transport Policy 7
The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
