2 October 2020 · Delegated
Douglas Castle, Fort Anne Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bn
This application sought Registered Building consent to carry out alterations and extend the roof of Harold Tower on Fort Anne Road, Douglas, to create an observatory room. The tower is a listed structure (Registered Building No. 179) and is visible from the harbour entrance at sea, with its upper section seen above the treeline throughout the year. The application was refused on 2 October 2020 by a Principal Planner acting under delegated authority. The officer's recommendation was also to refuse. The sole reason for refusal was that the proposed design and appearance of the alterations and roof extension would not protect or enhance the fabric or setting of the Registered Building, and would instead cause harm to it.
Registered Building consent was refused on 2 October 2020. The decision was made by a Principal Planner under delegated authority. The proposed alterations and roof extension were judged to be harmful to the fabric and setting of Harold Tower, a Registered Building, because the design and appearance would not protect or enhance the historic structure.
Refusal Reasons
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character
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
In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre-1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred
Environment Policy 34: In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre -1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred. 7.29 Development within Conservation Areas 7.29.1 Conservation Areas are designated where the Department is satisfied that there is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Accordingly, the Department will; i. appraise and review existing Conservation Areas; and ii. designate new Conservation Areas where Conservation Area appraisals have revealed individual areas to be worthy of such status. 7.29.2 Development proposals within Conservation Areas will be expected either to preserve or enhance their character or appearanc e. Development proposals should be in accordance with the Department's conservation policies set out in Planning Policy Statement 1/01, "Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man." There is generally gra nt assistance available to help in the use of appropriate materials and positive and appropriate development within Conservation Areas.
Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man
General criteria applied in considering registered building applications
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings
