31 December 2024 · Delegated
The Herring Houses, Fort Island Road, Derbyhaven, Isle Of Man, IM9 1tz
Permission was granted to reroute an existing right of way at The Herring Houses, Fort Island Road, Derbyhaven. The work involves removing part of an existing wall and installing a fence on a small strip of land between the property and the highway verge. The site sits on the western side of Fort Island Road, a narrow highway where most dwellings front directly onto the road. The officer assessed the proposal against its visual impact on the street scene, effects on amenity, and highway safety. The application was approved on 31 December 2024, subject to three conditions. There is one relevant planning history reference for the site.
The application was permitted on 31 December 2024 under delegated authority. The key planning considerations were the visual impact on the street scene, effects on residential amenity, and highway safety. The proposal was found acceptable on all three counts and was approved subject to three conditions.
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
Transport Policy 6
Transport Policy 6: In the design of new development and transport facilities the needs of pedestrians will be given similar weight to the needs of other road users. 11.5. Car Parking 11.5.1 The level of car parking provided in new development is critical to creating more sustainable development. Too little and the traffic generated can create problems on adjacent streets. Too much can increase congestion and delay public transport. The problem is most severe in existing settlements and at its worst in the Douglas area. 11.5.2 In respect of town centre office development, it has been the Department's usual practice to require the provision of one parking space per 50sq metres of nett office floor space, such parking spaces to be provided preferably on site but otherwise conveniently close to the site. The standard of 1 space per 50sq metres is based on: 1/3 staff walking or cycling: 1/3 travelling by public transport and 1/3 by private car. This provision is very often rather less than the demand created by the development. In the case of office developments outside of the town centre, the requirement is usually one parking space per 15sq metres of nett office floor space, a ratio which reflects more accurately the actual demand for parking space arising from the office use. The Douglas Local Plan did in fact invite consideration of other options whereby either the requirement should be increased such as to meet fully the demand for parking space, or the requirement should be reduced so that, with proper enforcement of on-street parking restrictions, fewer workers would come into town by car. 11.5.3 The long term target is to reduce the level of car parking required for town centre developments and seek to develop more sustainable staff and visitor transport plans including improved public transport, staff buses, shared and pooled cars, cycling and walking. Consideration should be given to the provision of cycle parking for staff and customers in non -residential development and to the provision of secure cycle stores in apartments. In the shorter term, the Department proposes the following general policy in respect of parking provision.
Transport Policy 5
Any improvements to the Island's highway network, including the provision of new roads, footpaths, and cycle routes, should be undertaken in accordance with the environmental objectives of this plan.
Transport Policy 5: Any improvements to the Island's highway network, including the provision of new roads, footpaths, and cycle routes, should be undertaken in accordance with the environmental objectives of this plan. In the preparation of the Area Plans consideration will be given to the identification of suitable sites for commercial vehicle parking. 11.4 Pedestrians 11.4.1 Walking is also an important means of travel in its own right or as part of most journeys. All pedestrians need safe and convenient means of crossing and passing along roads. Alternatively provision should be made for walking journeys separated from general traffic.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The proposed access works shown on the approved plans drawing no 105 Rev D must be completed before first use of the proposed access and retained thereafter.
Condition 3
The existing access shall be blocked up within 3 months of the completion of the new access with finish and height to match existing and a pedestrian gate as shown on the proposed site plan drawing no 105 Rev D.
