8 September 2025 · Delegated
The British Hotel, North Quay, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4lb
Permission was granted for the installation of external ventilation terminals on the front, side, and rear elevations of the British Hotel, North Quay, Douglas. The works are connected to internal alterations intended to create additional bedroom accommodation at first and second floor levels. The British Hotel is an attractive arts and crafts era, Tudor revival public house with original detailing, a timber balcony on the front elevation, and wooden bay windows on the first and second floors. The building sits within a Conservation Area, making the visual impact of any external works a significant planning consideration. The application was assessed against the impact on the character and appearance of both the building and the Conservation Area. It was approved by delegated decision with two conditions attached.
The application was approved by delegated decision on 8 September 2025. The key planning consideration was the impact of the ventilation terminals on the character and appearance of the building and the Conservation Area, and the proposal was found to be acceptable on those grounds.
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
The proposals are considered to comply with General Policy 2
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
Environment Policy 35 of the Strategic Plan
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.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Condition 2
Where installed, the ventilation terminals shall be coloured matched to the walls and roof finishes and shall remain as such unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Department. Reason: In the interest of the character and appearance of the building and surrounding area. This decision relates to the following plans and drawings, date stamped 19 June 2025: Existing Plans 25-112-01A Existing Elevations 25-112-02A Proposed Plans 25-112-03A Proposed Elevations 25-112-04A Location Plan 25-112-05A Site Plan 25-112-06A
