9 July 2025 · Delegated
Bowling Club, Grosvenor Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 3en
This application sought permission to erect 2-metre high fencing around the perimeter of the bowling green at the Pavilion and Bowling Green site on Grosvenor Road, Douglas. The site sits between the Douglas Lawn Tennis Club and the Department of Health and Social Care, and is accessible from both Demesne Road and Grosvenor Road, with a public walkway running along the southern boundary of the green. The application was refused by the Head of Development Management on 9 July 2025. Although the principle of the fencing was not objected to, the decision notice stated that the submitted information was insufficient to determine whether the access route through the site would be affected, and whether the gate design would ensure safe pedestrian access was maintained. The officer's recommendation was also to refuse, consistent with the final decision. No conditions were attached, as the application was refused outright.
The application was refused on 9 July 2025. While the principle of erecting perimeter fencing around the bowling green was considered acceptable, the decision-maker found there was insufficient information to assess whether the access route through the site would be affected, and whether the gate design would maintain safe pedestrian access along the walkway running beside the southern boundary.
Refusal Reasons
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
Community Policy 7
supports sites having due regard to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour
Community Policy 7: The design of new development and the extension and refurbishment of existing buildings and development must, as far as is reasonably practical, pay due regard to existing best practice so as to help prevent criminal and anti-social behaviour. 10.12.2 The Isle of Man Constabulary has suggested that neighbourhood police stations, where the public can meet police officers, are needed to improve community safety. In the majority of cases these will need to be provided within existin g communities as opportunities arise. Consideration should be given to incorporating such facilities in larger new developments in association with other community facilities.
Environment Policy 36
where development close to a Conservation Area would cause harm to that Conservation Area, the development proposed, 'will only be permitted where it will not detrimentally affect important views into and out of the Conservation Area.'
Environment Policy 36: Where development is proposed outside of, but close to, the boundary of a Conservation Area, this will only be permitted where it will not detrimentally affect important views into and out of the Conservation Area. 7.31 Advertisements in Conservation Areas 7.31.1 Some advertisements found and proposed in Conservation Areas are inappropriate and do not reflect the special character and designation of the area. The design of advertisements should respect the physical appearance of the premises in order to integrate re adily with its surroundings. Traditional details, hanging signs and hand painted signage are most appropriate and will be encouraged.
