21 July 2025 · Delegated
Isle Of Man Constabulary, Police Station, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4rg
The application sought permission to place a modular building in the rear car park of IOM Police Headquarters to serve as a staff fitness suite. The building measures 9.1 metres long, 6 metres wide, and 3 metres high. The site is a large two-storey headquarters building on Dukes Avenue, Douglas, set back from the public highway with parking distributed across several areas of the site. The officer assessed four main issues: the principle of the development, visual impact, impact on neighbouring amenity, and the loss of around six parking spaces. The building sits below a large grass bank and below the level of adjacent playing fields, meaning only the roofline would be visible from public viewpoints. Modular construction is already established on the site, with the custody suite also built in this way.
The building's position below the grass bank limits its visibility from public areas, and modular construction is already present on the site. The loss of approximately six parking spaces was judged acceptable given the remaining provision across the headquarters site and the natural turnover of fleet vehicles.
general standards towards acceptable development
comply with General Policy 2 of the IOMSP
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
recognition of importance of Police in community
supporting Paragraph 11.5.3 of TAPE where it recognises the importance of Police in the community
make best use of existing or underused sites
Relevant policies of IOM Strategic Plan
new development (including individual buildings) should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment
Relevant policies of IOM Strategic Plan
Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.
Condition 1
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
2. The existing trees (adjacent to the site) shall be retained in accordance with the approved details. In the event that trees become damaged or otherwise defective during such period, the Department shall be notified as soon as reasonably practicable and remedial action agreed and implemented. In the event that a tree dies or is wilfully removed without prior consent it shall be replaced as is reasonably practicable and, in any case, by not later than the end of the first available planting season, with trees of such size, species and in such number and positions as may be agreed with the Department. Reason: To safeguard the appearance of the development and the surrounding area. This approval relates to the submitted documents and drawing all received on 10.06.2025 and
