8 February 2024 · Delegated
Deansgate 8b, Lucerne Court, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 6bj
Permission was granted for a rear dining room extension at Deansgate, Lucerne Court, Douglas, Isle of Man. The proposal is a revision to a previously approved planning application (17/01087/B) and involves building on what is currently a block-paved patio area at the rear of the property. The site is a two-storey detached house on a residential estate of large, similarly designed properties. The officer assessed two main issues: the visual impact on the character of the dwelling and the potential effect on neighbouring properties. The nearest neighbour, Fairhaven, is approximately 25 metres to the north, separated by a 2-metre solid masonry wall, with the application site sitting at a lower level. The application was approved by delegated decision on 8 February 2024, with one condition attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 8 February 2024. The key planning considerations were the visual impact on the character of the existing dwelling and the potential effect on neighbouring properties, both of which were found to be acceptable. The nearest neighbour, Fairhaven, sits approximately 25 metres to the north, and the site's lower ground level was noted as preventing overlooking or loss of privacy.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
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
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
"As a general policy, in built up areas not controlled by Conservation Area or Registered Building policies, there will be a general presumption in favour of extensions to existing property where such extensions would not have an adverse impact on either adjacent property or the surrounding area in general."
Residential Design Guide 2021
Residential Design Guide 2021
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
