17 September 2025 · Delegated
6, Albany Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 3le
This application sought permission to reinstate a ground floor window at 6 Albany Street, Douglas, and to alter the rear boundary wall to form a new vehicle access onto the rear lane. The property is a two-storey terraced house on the east side of Albany Street, within a terrace characterised by small walled front gardens, bay windows at ground floor level, and decorative string course detailing around the windows. The application was assessed against planning principles, design and visual impact, the character of the conservation area streetscene, and the effect on neighbouring properties. The officer recommended approval and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture granted permission on 17 September 2025. The approval is subject to one condition and does not take effect until it becomes final.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 17 September 2025. The officer considered design and visual impact, the character of the conservation area streetscene, and the effect on neighbouring properties, and recommended approval. The approval is subject to one condition and does not take effect until it becomes final.
Environment Policy 35
The application accords with Environment Policy 35 of the Strategic Plan
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
General Policy 2
ensuring compliance with GP2b,c
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
Strategic Policy 1
in accordance with SP1 and STP2
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
Priority for new development to identified towns and villages
in accordance with SP1 and STP2
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
