28 March 2023 · Committee
3, The Parade, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1lg
The application sought to reinstate a blocked-up front entrance door, replace windows, and change the use of the former Isle of Man Bank from financial services (Class 1.2) to office use (Class 2.1). The building sits on Parliament Square opposite Castle Rushen, surrounded by other registered Georgian and earlier buildings including the George Hotel — a grouping that defines the character of this part of the Castletown Conservation Area. The key planning issues were whether the alterations and change of use would preserve the registered building's features of special architectural and historic interest, whether they would preserve or enhance the conservation area, and whether the loss of a public-facing financial services use would harm the vitality of Castletown town centre. Officers noted that while the building retains its external character, its interior has been significantly altered over time, leaving limited historic fabric. The proposals would preserve surviving features such as windows and window panelling, and largely retain existing room layouts. The Highways Division raised no concerns about highway safety or parking.
The Planning Committee approved the application because the proposals were judged to preserve the character of the registered building and the Castletown Conservation Area, in line with Policies RB/3 and RB/5 of Planning Policy Statement 1 and the Area Plan for the South. Although the office use would not be open to visiting members of the public, bringing a vacant registered building back into productive use was considered a material benefit. No significant highway, parking, or town centre vitality concerns were identified.
RB/3 General Criteria Applied in Considering Registered Building Applications
Planning Policy Statement 1
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
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.
Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Reason: To ensure the satisfactory preservation of this registered building.
Details of Works to Registered Building Prior to the commencement of each phase of work, No works shall take place on those elements listed below until details of the following items, to include plans, elevations and sections at a scale of (1:10) or (1:20) or other information as agreed following consultation with Design and Conservation Officer have been submitted to and approved in writing by, the Department: - a) Window repair schedule - b) Details of New windows - c) Proposed New Door - d) Proposed Signage The works shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details.
Reason: To ensure the satisfactory preservation of this registered building
Sample materials No development shall commence until a schedule of materials, finishes and samples of the materials to be used in the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department: - a) Railings - b) Replacement Windows The works shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details.
Reason: to ensure the satisfactory preservation of this registered building
Registered Building Making Good 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.
Internal and external alterations, Isle of Man Bank, 3 Market Square, Castletown
Permitted
Creation of ramped access to rear of building and installation of external lights. Isle Of Man Bank Market Square Castletown
Permitted
Registered Building consent for the installation of guard rails to flat roof and replacement escape staircase (in association with 06/01752 GB)
Permitted
Registered Building consent to install an internal bi - folding automatic door (In association with 08/00686/GB)
Permitted
Registered Building Consent for installation of replacement ATM (RB no 39 in association with 15/00777/GB)
Permitted
Registered Building consent for the installation of a cash transfer unit to rear elevation and installation of gates to rear yard entrance (in association with 15/00034/GB)
Permitted
Registered Building consent for the installation of external lighting (In association with 15/00178/GB)
Permitted
Registered Building Consent for reinstatement of blocked up front door, repair and replacement of windows, and alterations to the internal plan form RB 39 (in association with 22/01494/GB)
Pending
