Erection of non-illuminated entrance sign and 3 non-illuminated information boards

General Policy 2

The proposal is considered to comply with General Policies GP2, GP3 and GP8

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

General Policy 3

The proposal is considered to comply with General Policies GP2, GP3 and GP8

General Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); (c) previously developed land (1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage. 6.4 Planning Agreements 6.4.1 Where development is acceptable and in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the relevant Area Plan, but raises issues which cannot be addressed by the imposition of planning conditions, the Department will seek to conclude an Agreement with the developer under Section 13 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act.

General Policy 8

The proposal is considered to comply with General Policies GP2, GP3 and GP8

General Policy 8: Within rural areas the display of external advertisements will be permitted only where: (a) they are located on or directly next to the premises to which they relate; (b) they do not detract from the appearance of either the immediate area or the landscape; (c) they are normally constructed of traditional materials unless the nature of the display or location would render such materials inappropriate; (d) any illumination, which will be permitted only where it is essential, is kept to a minimum and is so hooded as to prevent undesirable escape of light; (e) they are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard; and (f) any illumination will not have an adverse effect on areas of ecological value. 6.7 Public Art 6.7.1 Our environment is improved by the provision of works of art in public places, particularly if that art reflects the cultural traditions or history of a particular area. 6.7.2 The Department will support the inclusion of such artwork in development proposals, and will expect such inclusion within major proposals. Artwork may take the form of public sculpture, s uch as the recently erected statues of T. E. Brown and Sir William Hillary in Douglas, or may be incorporated into features such as friezes, railings or landscaping. Commissions to locally based artists would be particularly welcome.