10 August 2020 · Delegated
All Saints Church, Alexander Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4eb
All Saints Church on Alexander Drive, Douglas, is a registered building notable as the first Anglican church built on the Isle of Man in a modern style for over fifty years — a distinction that relates primarily to its structure rather than its interior fittings. The painting in question is a mural by the late Dorothy Nicholson, a well-known local artist whose husband acted as colour consultant to the church's architect, and is believed to have been in place since the church was built. The church has closed and is under offer to a purchaser unlikely to continue its use as a Church of England building. The officer considered it important to preserve as much of the church's history as possible in these circumstances. Because the building's registered status rests on its architectural structure rather than the wood panelling or painting, the principle of removing the mural was judged acceptable. Relocating the painting to St George's Church was seen as a positive outcome that keeps the artwork within active use and preserves its historical significance.
The application was approved because the building's registered status is tied to its structural character as a pioneering modern Anglican church, not to the painting itself. Removing and relocating the mural to St George's Church was considered a way of preserving the historical interest of the artwork rather than harming it. The proposal was found to accord with Isle of Man environment policies on registered buildings and the Planning Policy Statement on the conservation of the historic environment.
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted.
This Registered Building consent proposal accords with Environment Policy 32 & 35
Environment Policy 32: Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted. 7.27 Change of Use of Registered Buildings 7.27.1The best use for a Registered Building is usually the use for which the building was designed. However, it is recognised that it is often necessary to look for a new use to secure the economic future of the b uilding. It is important therefore that any new use is appropriate and that physical alterations are sensitive to its character. (1) Curtilage is defined in Appendix 1
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the area
This Registered Building consent proposal accords with Environment Policy 32 & 35
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.
When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration
General criteria applied in considering registered building applications
General criteria applied in considering registered building applications
Development which is in accordance with the landuse zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted
it is appropriate to consider General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
