30 April 2019 · Committee
Isle Of Man Fire & Rescue Service, Fire Station, Farrants Way, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1nr
This application sought permission to convert the former fire station on Farrant's Way, Castletown into a community centre. The works included replacement windows, new roller shutter doors, updated signage, and removal of a wall to the car park area. The building previously housed a fire appliance, staff changing rooms, toilets, a kitchen, an office, and a lecture room, with car parking around it. Residential properties back onto the site along Scarlett Road. The application was permitted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 30 April 2019, subject to compliance with four conditions.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application, subject to four conditions. The proposal to convert the former fire station into a community centre, along with associated alterations, was found to be acceptable.
General Policy 2
The proposed land use is consistent with the designation and as such General Policy 2 and Environment Policy 36 of the Strategic Plan are applicable here
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
Environment Policy 36
The proposed land use is consistent with the designation and as such General Policy 2 and Environment Policy 36 of the Strategic Plan are applicable here
Environment Policy 36: Where development is proposed outside of, but close to, the boundary of a Conservation Area, this will only be permitted where it will not detrimentally affect important views into and out of the Conservation Area. 7.31 Advertisements in Conservation Areas 7.31.1 Some advertisements found and proposed in Conservation Areas are inappropriate and do not reflect the special character and designation of the area. The design of advertisements should respect the physical appearance of the premises in order to integrate re adily with its surroundings. Traditional details, hanging signs and hand painted signage are most appropriate and will be encouraged.
Condition 1
1. The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
2. No approval is granted to the removal of the existing stone roadside wall as shown in the submitted drawings. Reason: In the interests of the character of the area and the nearby Conservation Area.
Condition 3
3. The community brewing may only be undertaken within the area shown on plan 04 unless otherwise approved by the Department. Reason: To reflect what has been proposed and to control the use of the site.
Condition 4
4. No items may be stored outside of the building. Reason: To control the use and appearance of the site and to ensure that the car parking areas are available for such purposes.
