9 May 2017 · Delegated
Plot Of Land East Of Block H, Balthane Park, Balthane, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 2ax
The proposal revised an earlier planning permission (PA 12/00062/B) for an industrial building on an undeveloped plot within the Balthane industrial estate. Rather than changing the building's siting, appearance, or total floor area, the revision subdivided the internal layout to create 12 smaller units instead of the previously approved number. The site is designated as Industrial in the Area Plan for the South, and the proposed sheet-clad building with dark grey lower walls and lighter grey upper walls and roof matched the character of surrounding units. The total floor space and car parking provision were identical to the approved scheme, so there was no change in highway or amenity impact. Offering a variety of unit sizes was considered a positive outcome, likely to attract a wider range of occupiers. No use condition had been attached to the original approval, so none was imposed here either.
The application was approved because the building's size, siting, appearance, and parking provision were unchanged from the previously permitted scheme. Subdividing the floor space into smaller units raised no new planning concerns and was considered likely to broaden the range of potential occupiers. The site's industrial designation fully supported the proposed 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
Area Plan for the South
The site lies within an area designated on the Area Plan for the South as Industrial
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 occupation of any building the car parking and manoeuvring areas shall be provided and remain free from obstruction thereafter and remain available to the users of the corresponding industrial unit.
