24 November 2022 · Delegated
Isle Of Man Constabulary, Police Station, The Quay, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1ld
The works include replacing part of the rear external wall, replacing the corridor roof, works to cell roofs, and changing the use of the building to a hotel reception and community exhibition space. The site sits within a Mixed Use area under the Area Plan for the South 2013 and is firmly within the town centre. The key planning issues were the preservation of the registered building and its special architectural and historic interest, the impact on the Conservation Area, the suitability of the proposed uses, and the effect on nearby residents. The officer concluded that the tourist-focused nature of the use was well suited to the town centre location, that increased activity was comparable to other nearby businesses operating in the evenings and at weekends, and that the use was likely to generate less car-dependent traffic than office use. The addition of a hotel reception and exhibition space was considered to enhance the town's attractions. Conditions were attached requiring pre-commencement approval of render materials, external fixtures, rainwater goods, the glazed roof structure, and a method statement for mounting any external fittings, all to protect the registered building.
The proposals were found to comply with Strategic Plan policies RB/3 and RB/5 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01. No demonstrable harm was identified in relation to the change of use, the impact on the registered building, or local amenity. The town centre location and the tourist-focused nature of the use were considered appropriate, and conditions were imposed to safeguard the character of the registered building and Conservation Area.
RB/3 General Criteria Applied in Considering Registered Building Applications
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
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).
RB/5 Alterations and Extensions
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
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.
RB/4 Use
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
POLICY RB/4 USE In considering a proposal for change of use of a registered building, the principal aim should be to identify the optimum viable use that is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the building, all of which affect its special character as a building of merit. An applicant will have to illustrate that the effect of any proposed changes upon the architectural and historic interest of the building will be minimised.
RB/8: Access for persons with disabilities (Planning Policy Statement 1/01)
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
Policy CA/2
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
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.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2019, the use hereby approved shall be as a hotel reception hub and exhibition or community space only.
Condition 3
No development shall commence until details of the material, colour and texture of the render have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details.
Condition 5
No new grilles, security alarms, lighting, security or other cameras or other fixtures shall be mounted on the external faces of the building other than those shown on the drawings hereby approved. A method statement of how the fixtures shall be mounted on the external faces shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department, the works shall be undertake in accordance with the approved statement.
Condition 6
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.
Alterations and extension to form interview room, canteen and W.C., Police Station, The Quay/Castle Street, Castletown
Alterations to Castletown Police Station
Registered Building Consent for external maintenance works and internal alterations (RBno 27)
Registered Building consent for demolition of rear extension, alterations and repair to former yard wall, Registered Building Number 27
Demolition of rear extension, alterations and repair to former yard wall, Registered Building Number 27
