21 October 2025 · Delegated
Tesco Express, 1a, St. Pauls Square, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 1le
This retrospective application sought permission for illuminated and non-illuminated signage at the Tesco Express store on the south side of St. Pauls Square in Ramsey, Isle of Man. The store occupies the ground floor of a three-storey building, with residential studio apartments on the upper floors and a wide canopy above the ground floor commercial units. The main planning considerations were the effect of the signage on visual amenity, residential amenity for the occupants of the upper-floor apartments, and public safety. The application was permitted on 21 October 2025 following a delegated decision, with the case officer recommending approval.
The application was permitted on 21 October 2025 under delegated authority. The officer recommended approval, and the key planning considerations were the effect of the signage on visual amenity, residential amenity, and public safety.
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
General Policy 6
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
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
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.
Environment Policy 38
Advertisements close to Conservation Areas must respect and preserve the character and appearance of the area
