Explanatory Note Amendments

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The purpose of this explanatory note is to explain the background to this latest Planning Application and the basis on which the proposals have been prepared. 1.2 The proposed changes do not fundamentally affect the scope of Approved Planning Application No. 11/00013/B and are related only to elements of the external works detailing.

2.0 Current Position

2.1 The existing development site is to the easterly side of the estate and is bounded by Douglas Road (A5), Clagh Vane Estate access road, Glashen Terrace, a block of six bungalows and Whitestone Terrace, a block of eight two bedroom flats, both owned by the Department of Social Care. The site is currently being developed with the approved scheme consisting of $12 \times 2$ Bedroom Apartments, $4 \times 2$ Bedroom Bungalows and a Biomass Boiler House for the Department of Social Care - Housing Division. Works are currently progressing on the superstructure and, in part, interiors of the dwellings. 2.1.1 The site was previously occupied by 14 dwellings which have now been demolished.

3.0 Summary of Amendments to the External Works

3.1 Following commencement of works to Project 4, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, who are producing the woodchip (biomass) fuel have finalised the type and size of vehicle to be used for delivery. 3.2 The proposed delivery vehicle and equipment is to be utilised as a standard at other Biomass Boiler Plants being developed in accordance with current Departmental policy elsewhere on the Island. 3.3 The project design team have examined a number of ways of accommodating the proposed size of vehicle and have concluded that the existing site layout should be amended as shown on the revised site plan submitted and include: a) Relocation of two car parking spaces from adjacent to the development entrance to the area of parking behind Whitestone Terrace. b) Modification to the shape and orientation of the fuel delivery area adjacent to the Biomass Boiler House c) Amendments to the public footpath in the area of the Biomass Boiler House d) Modifications to the site works and landscape areas adjacent to the Biomass Boiler House. These revisions have been discussed with the DoI Highways Division. 3.4 The proposed changes assume that the biomass delivery vehicle will access the delivery area via the service lane behind Glashen Terrace and 1-6 Cobbold Place bungalows, driving into the delivery space and exiting the site adjacent to the main site entrance. 3.5 It is currently anticipated that in normal weather conditions only one delivery of biomass fuel per week will be required and the DSC will instruct that deliveries are carried out during term time school hours to minimise risk. Outside of term time school hours, deliveries will be organised on a basis to be agreed between DSC and DEFA to minimise impact on residents.

3.6 The proposed route of the delivery vehicle has been reviewed with Health and Safety advisors from DoI and DSC and is believed to be satisfactory. A set of Health and Safety procedures based on the proposed arrangements for fuel delivery will be agreed with the delivery operator by DEFA and DSC. 3.7 The revised Site Plan submitted as part of this Planning Application also includes the following additional minor amendments to the site works:

• The car parking arrangements and road alignment adjacent to the rear of 6 Cobbold Place have been amended to provide additional space for the Biomass delivery wagon and Malew Commissioner's refuse wagon to navigate around the corner into the rear service lane.
• The block paved margins to the tarmac lane behind Glashen Terrace and 1-6 Cobbold Place have been widened slightly to provide an enhanced refuge area for pedestrians.
• The block paved shared surface to the rear of Block 1 has been modified, at the request of Manx Blind Welfare, to delineate a clear pedestrian route for visually impaired pedestrians. Tactile paving has been introduced at the cross over point on the rear lane for pedestrians using the path to the side of Whitestone Terrace. The path has been extended to link up with the path to the fronts of Blocks 2, 3 and 4.
• Enclosing fences to "Front" gardens and bin stores have been introduced to dwellings in Block 1 to provide semi-private space as requested by potential tenants.
• The grass indicated on the Approved Plan to the drying areas between Blocks 1+2, $2+3$ and $3+4$ is to be replaced with a 20 mm decorative gravel for maintenance purposes with adjacent paths in trowel finish concrete.
• The setting out of the car parking bays to the fronts of Blocks 2, 3 and 4 has been adjusted slightly with consequent revisions to the setting out of planting beds.
• The extent of block paving to the path to the side of Whitestone Terrace has been reduced and the proposed finish to the main section is now tarmac.
• The extent of block paving to the path to the side of Block 1 has been reduced and the proposed finish is now tarmac.

4.0 Consultations

4.1 The project team have prepared the amended proposals with the assistance of DoI Design Services, DoI Highways and DEFA and has sought concurrence from DoI Highways that the amended proposals are acceptable to all parties. 4.2 The advice and comments of the Area Planning Officer has been sought and is reflected in this Planning Application. 4.3 The DSC has sought the views of the Clerk of Malew Parish Commissioners prior to submitting this Planning Application.

4.4 The DSC has advised the local MHK Mr Graham Cregeen that this amended Planning Application is being lodged. 4.5 Copies of the amended Planning Application are being sent to the local Tenants Representative Group for information. 4.6 A copy of the drawing showing the proposed amendments has been sent to the MEA, Manx Gas, Water and Sewerage Authority and Manx Telecom for comment. No objections or adverse comments have been received from any party.

5.0 Summary

5.1 The proposed amendments to the Approved Planning Application do not fundamentally affect the character or amenity of the development currently under construction and are merely amendments to the external works evolving from the development of the scheme. 5.2 The proposed amendments have been discussed with other interested parties and no significant negative comments have been received. 5.3 The Department is seeking early approval to the proposed amendments to provide clarity for the contractor currently on site and to enable work to continue to progress steadily to meet the programmed completion date towards the end of 2012.