8 October 2025 · Delegated
Post Office, 16-18, Circular Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 1ag
Capital Select Limited applied for permission to install illuminated signage on the front elevation of Capital House, a six-storey building on the western side of Circular Road, Douglas. The building is prominent from a high public vantage point. The site has a recent planning history: a separate application for alterations to the ground floor to create offices was already in progress at the time of this decision. The application was approved by delegated decision on 8 October 2025, with three conditions attached.
The application was approved by delegated decision on 8 October 2025. The signage was proposed on the front elevation of a six-storey building on Circular Road, Douglas, in a location with high public visibility. No refusal reasons were raised and the application was permitted with three conditions.
display of external advertisements
The installation of the illuminated signage on the site complies with The Control of Advertisements Regulations 2013 and is also in accordance with General Policy 6 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
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 development standards
it is relevant to assess the application under General Policy 2 which sets out general development standards
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
display of adverts must be in relation to the site they are situated upon
would comply with General Policies 6 and 7
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
In the event that the signage hereby approved is no longer required, the signage shall be removed within 6 months. Reason: to avoid the accumulation of unwarranted signage in the interest of visual amenity.
Condition 3
The signs hereby granted consent shall not be lit by an intermittent source. Reason: In the interests of amenity and public safety.