7 April 2025 · Delegated
Block 3 Garage 20 Magnus Court, Kings Reach, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 3nt
Permission was granted to convert a garage at Block 3, Magnus Court, Kings Reach Village, Ramsey into an office with a toilet, along with widening of the access path to the unit. The application was decided by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture under delegated powers. The officer recommended approval, and the final decision matched that recommendation. The primary planning consideration was the effect of the change of use on parking provision in the area, which was assessed and found to be acceptable.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 7 April 2025. The key planning issue considered was the impact on parking provision, and the proposal was found acceptable. The formal decision record lists 2 conditions.
General Policy 2
complies with 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
Business Policy 7
no conflict with Business Policy 7
Business Policy 7: New office floor space should be located within town and village centres on land which is zoned for the purpose on the appropriate area plan; exceptionally, permission may be given for new office space (a) on approved Business Parks for Corporate Headquarters which do not involve day to day callers; or (b) in buildings of acknowledged architectural or historic interest for which office use represents the only or most appropriate practicable and economic way of securing future use, renovation and maintenance.
Transport Policy 7
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Condition 2
The use of the office hereby permitted shall be limited to Kings Reach Residents Association Limited only, in the undertaking of management activities for Kings Reach Village and shall not be used for any other commercial or business without a planning application first being submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. Reason: The site is located in a Predominantly Residential area where an independent commercial/business use of the office will require further assessment.
