25 September 2019 · Delegated
Foghorn House, Douglas Head, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bp
Permission was granted for Foghorn House on Douglas Head to be used additionally as tourist living accommodation alongside its existing residential use. The property is a single-storey dwelling with three bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, and dining area, situated to the south-east of Douglas Harbour and to the east of the Camera Obscura. There is no vehicular access; the site is reached by a footpath network of sloping concrete pathways and steps. The main planning consideration was the potential impact on neighbouring properties and local amenities. The application was approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 25 September 2019, with one condition attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 25 September 2019. The key planning consideration was the impact of the proposal on neighbours and local amenities, and the application was found acceptable on that basis.
General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
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
Strategic Policy 8 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality
Strategic Policy 8: Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and man - made attractions. 4.4.5 This policy reflects the general restriction on new development outside defined development zones. Tourist proposals in the countryside will normally be required to meet the above criteria. 4.4.6 Viable and vibrant town and village centres not only provide the opportunity for economic success, but also provide convenient and accessible amenities for all members of the community and an opportunity to obtain renewal of some of our poorer built fabric. Accordingly:
Business Policy 13 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such use would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents
Business Policy 13: Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such u se would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents.
Environment Policy 33 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
The change of use of Registered Buildings will only be permitted if the proposed use is appropriate and any alterations associated with the change are not detrimental to its character
Environment Policy 33: The change of use of Registered Buildings will only be permitted if the proposed use is appropriate and any alterations associated with the change are not detrimental to its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. 7.28 Traditional Building Materials 7.28.1 Traditional building materials can be classified as stone for walls , slates for roofs and softwood for window frames. Local materials help to form the character of settlements in the Island. For example, sandstone was a common building material in the development of much of the older parts of Peel and limestone was historically used in Castletown. Whilst the original sources of some materials are no longer operating, reclaimed material from old buildings is often available. Such re-use will be particularly encouraged where sites are to be redeveloped and there is evide nce of material on site which can be recycled and reused. It will, however, not be appropriate to demolish historic buildings merely to reclaim usable materials. Another important aspect when attempting to retain the historic building stock is the use of the most appropriate mortar; common across the Island's built environment has been the use of lime-based mortar and washes.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
