4 December 2025 · Delegated
38, Ballachrink Drive, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 4nq
This application sought permission to erect a fence and create a hardstanding at a residential property on Ballachrink Drive, Onchan. Part of the works had already been carried out before the application was submitted. The application was refused on two separate grounds. The fences along the roadside were found to be harmful to the visual character of the area because of their design, height, and scale. The surrounding street is characterised by short boundary walls and hedges, and the fences were considered an incongruous addition to the site boundaries. The officer noted that the house sits below road level, making the boundary treatment particularly prominent.
The application was refused on two grounds. First, the fences along the roadside were considered harmful to the character and appearance of the street scene due to their design, height, and scale. Second, the applicant did not provide sufficient information to show that surface water runoff from the new hardstanding would be contained within the site rather than draining onto the public highway.
Refusal Reasons
Strategic Plan 2016
contrary to General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan 2016
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
Residential Design Guide
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
Residential Design Guide (July 2021)
Chapter 6.1 Boundary Treatments
