19 March 2021 · Delegated
Castle Mona Hotel, Castle Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4ly
Permission was granted for temporary protective works to the Castle Mona Hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The proposal covers a painted plywood screen to the upper floors of the exposed north-east elevation following demolition of the hotel wing, blocking up of openings at lower levels, blocking up of ground floor windows to the rear lane, and temporary plywood boarding of ground floor windows at the front. The application is a revision in detail and volume to elements previously approved under four earlier applications. The revisions were made to provide a more secure and robust solution that requires less cladding than the earlier scheme. The site is the registered building RB82, the Castle Mona Hotel, built in 1804, and sits within the Promenades Conservation Area. The key planning issues considered were the preservation of the registered building and its historic features, and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application. The works were assessed against the need to preserve the registered building and its historic features, and to protect the character and appearance of the Promenades Conservation Area. The revised scheme was considered acceptable on both counts. The formal decision record lists 3 conditions.
General criteria applied in considering registered building applications
The proposals are in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 RB/5, CA/2 and CA/4 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01 and is supported
POLICY RB/3 General criteria applied in considering registered building applications The issues that are generally relevant to the consideration of all registered building applications are:- • The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity, relative to the Island as a whole and within the local context; • The particular physical features of the building (which may include its design, plan, materials or location) which justify its inclusion in the register; descriptions annexed to the entry in the register may draw attention to features of particular interest or value, but they are not exhaustive and other features of importance, (e.g. Interiors, murals, hidden fireplaces) may come to light after the building's entry in the register; • The building's setting and its contribution to the local scene, which may be very important, e.g. Where it forms an element in a group, park, garden or other townscape or landscape, or where it shares particular architectural forms or details with other buildings nearby (including other registered buildings).
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
The proposals are in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 RB/5, CA/2 and CA/4 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01 and is supported
POLICY RB/5 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Registered building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals. Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence.
SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
The proposals are in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 RB/5, CA/2 and CA/4 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01 and is supported
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT
The proposals are in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 RB/5, CA/2 and CA/4 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01 and is supported
POLICY CA/4 PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT It is important that designation is not seen as an end in itself, but that there be an opportunity for the designation to be considered in a wider context, such as that of an area plan. It is this overview which will basically determine the long term validity and prosperity of the conservation area. For example, proposals and policies contained within an area plan may take the opportunity to improve matters such as traffic congestion in and around a conservation area by traffic management and improvement, the provision of off-street parking and the introduction of some pedestrian or bicycle priority ways. The plan will also prescribe the use of land and buildings within the conservation area and beyond and may indicate opportunities for enhancement by restoration and re-use, or if appropriate, for replacement of elements within the conservation area which detract from the special character of the area.
Condition 1
1. The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
2. The cladding as shown and described on drawing 1530 received 18th December 2020 shall be completed within 6 weeks of completion of the demolition.
Condition 3
3. Any damage to the registered building during the course of the works hereby approved shall be made good upon completion of said works. All making good works shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department and thereafter implemented within time period to be agreed with the Department.
Registered Building Consent is also sought for the works under the application 20/01469/CON
previously approved under the following applications; 20/00586/GB
those relevant are listed below and relate to the recent works to secure the building and remove unsympathetic later additions; 20/00582/GB
recent works to secure the building
recent works to secure the building