24 May 2019 · Delegated
Westport, 4, Devonshire Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 3qy
Permission was granted for alterations to Westport House, a large detached Victorian property at 4 Devonshire Road, Douglas. The works included the demolition of existing outbuildings and the erection of a new extension, considered alongside a related conservation area consent application. The site sits within the Selbourne Drive Conservation Area. The outbuilding proposed for demolition is located to the rear of the property and is not reasonably visible from the public highway, limiting its visual impact on the wider area. The officer assessed the proposal against its potential impact on neighbouring properties and on parking and highway safety, recommending approval. The decision was made by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority and was permitted on 24 May 2019.
The Head of Development Management approved the application under delegated authority. The key planning considerations were the impact on neighbouring properties and parking and highway safety, both of which were found to be acceptable. The formal decision record lists 1 condition.
General Policy 2
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 35
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
