18 June 2012 · Delegated
Derbyhaven House, Derbyhaven, Isle Of Man, IM9 1ts
Derbyhaven House is a tall, stone-faced three-storey property set some 22 metres back from the A12 coastal road, with a boathouse to the front extending to within 5 metres of the highway. The amendments to the earlier approval included converting the boathouse to a gym, replacing an existing extension with a modern complementary form featuring significant glazing, and altering the front garden to provide parking while blocking off a previously approved rear turning area. The site sits adjacent to Marine Court apartments to the south and is visible from the popular coastal footpath. The officer assessed the design as removing an uninspiring extension and replacing it with something that complements the main house in a modern form, without adversely affecting neighbouring amenities. The expanse of glazing, while new to the building, was not considered so out of keeping as to warrant refusal.
The proposal was approved because the replacement extension was judged to complement the existing building without harming neighbouring amenities or the streetscene. The parking alterations retain most of the front garden and were found acceptable in highway safety terms by the Highway Division. The scheme was considered to comply with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
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
