24 April 2025 · Delegated
1, Duke Street, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1ng
The application sought permission to install an A+++ rated Ecodan R32 Monobloc air source heat pump at the rear of a terraced dwellinghouse in Peel. The unit measures approximately 1050mm x 1020mm x 480mm and would be sited in the rear garden, away from any highway and not visible from the street or within the Conservation Area. The two key planning issues were the impact on the character of the Conservation Area and the effect on neighbouring amenity, particularly noise. The unit's operating sound pressure level is around 45 dB(A) at 1 metre — comparable to light traffic and quieter than a normal conversation or washing machine. The thick walls of the period properties, boundary walls, and vegetation were all noted as further reducing any background noise reaching neighbours at the nearest property, no.17 Bridge Street. Because the pump is sited at the rear and is not visible from the Conservation Area, it was found to preserve the character and appearance of the area in line with the statutory test.
The pump's position at the rear of the property means it is not visible within the Conservation Area, satisfying the preservation test under planning legislation. Its noise output of around 45 dB(A) is low relative to everyday background noise levels, and the thick walls and boundary features of the surrounding properties further limit any impact on neighbours. The proposal was approved as it met the relevant policies on renewable energy, noise, and Conservation Area preservation.
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
Environment Policy 22
provides guide on development in respect of noise, smell, vibration, and their impacts on neighbouring amenity
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
Strategic Policy 5
supports the introduction of renewable energy sources
Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.
Energy Policy 4
supports the introduction of renewable energy sources
Environment Policy 35
within a Conservation Area only development that would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of a Conservation Area will be permitted
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.
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 Air Source Heat Pump must be installed according to the plans and supporting information and must be maintained as such thereafter.
