28 August 2025 · Delegated
Marks & Spencer (Iom) Ltd, Drumgold Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2sp
Permission was granted for the erection of new and replacement illuminated signage and window graphics at the Marks and Spencer store at 7 Drumgold Street, Douglas, Isle of Man. The building is a multi-storey structure spanning Drumgold Street, with retail on the lower floors and a car park above. Marks and Spencer occupies the retail section, which has three main pedestrian entrances. The site already features advertisements on multiple elevations and illuminated signs near each entrance. The main planning consideration was whether the proposed signage would harm the character and appearance of the area. The application was approved with two conditions, decided by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority.
The application was approved by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority. The key planning consideration was the impact of the signage on the character and appearance of the area, and the proposal was found to be acceptable on that basis.
General Policy 2 (b) (c) (g)
The proposal is not considered to harm the character of the area. It is considered to comply with General Policy 2 and General Policy 6 of the Strategic Plan.
General Policy 6
The proposal is not considered to harm the character of the area. It is considered to comply with General Policy 2 and General Policy 6 of the Strategic Plan.
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
General Policy 7
The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies that are considered materially relevant to the assessment of this current planning application
General Policy 7: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted. 6.6.3 Within rural areas, advertisements can be disruptive features which affect adversely the appearance of the landscape and the countryside. Lighting can pollute the night sky, and may be contrary to nature conservation interests.
Condition 1
The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. Reason: To avoid the accumulation of unimplemented advertisement consents.
Condition 2
The signs hereby granted consent shall not be lit by an intermittent source. Reason: In the interests of amenity and/or public safety.
