27 June 2024 · Committee
Street Record, Howe Road, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 2az
Manx Telecom applied to install nine 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires along Howe Road, Onchan. The road runs east to west through a residential estate made up of traditional and chalet bungalows. The application was refused by the committee on 27 June 2024, despite the case officer having recommended approval. The decision notice states that the height, size, and scale of the nine poles would have a negative visual impact and adversely affect the character of the streetscene. The refusal was based on the harm the poles would cause to the appearance of a bungalow-dominated residential street, where large overhead infrastructure was considered out of keeping with the established character of the area.
The committee refused the application. The nine wooden telegraph poles, at 9 metres tall with associated overhead cabling, were considered too large and prominent for a residential street lined with traditional bungalows. The height, size, and scale of the installation was judged to harm the character and appearance of the streetscene.
Refusal Reasons
Development should make the best use of resources
the proposal would not create any visual harm or deleterious intrusion into the streetscene and would conform to those parts of Strategic Policy 1
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
Protection of the landscape and biodiversity
Named service centre (Onchan)
General Development Considerations
Safeguarding the environment and/or the amenities of surrounding properties
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
Need for communications infrastructure versus environmental impacts
To install 6 x 9 metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
similar applications
Installation of three 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
similar applications
Installation of four 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
similar applications
