7 April 2025 · Delegated
8, Terence Avenue, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5bl
This retrospective application sought approval for the replacement of existing roof tiles at 8 Terence Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man. The work had already been carried out before planning permission was sought. The main planning consideration was whether the new roof tiles would harm the visual amenity of the street scene or the appearance of the property. Officers noted that the street is characterised by properties with small tiles, but that some variation already exists, with a couple of roofs in a slate colour and several properties having rooflights. The property sits within a cul-de-sac in a larger estate where the houses generally appear in harmony. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 7 April 2025, finding that the replacement tiles did not cause an unacceptable visual impact given the existing character and variety already present in the street.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved this retrospective application. The key planning question was whether the replacement roof tiles would harm the visual character of the street scene or the appearance of the dwelling. Officers concluded the proposal was acceptable given the existing variety of roof materials and colours already present in the street.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
The proposal complies with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man 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
Extensions to Dwellings in built up areas or sites designated for residential use
paragraph 8.12.1 and General Policy 2 from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 are most relevant
in Recreation Policy 3 and Appendix 6. The latter provides examples of the size and type of provision required. 8.11 Open Space and Recreation 8.12 The Isle of Man Strategic Plan Context 8.12.1 The Isle of Man Strategic Plan identifies that Open Space in towns and villages on the Island forms an integral part of the fabric of community life, taking various forms and serving many purposes. Open Space ranges from the formal, such as formally laid parks and play areas, to the informal, such as open countryside, glens and the extensive public footpath network. The need for Open Space is that it forms part of the Island's heritage as well as being an attractive and usable asset. In the wider context, it provides visual and spiritual relief from the developed urban settlements on the Island, and provides recreational enjoyment in respect of various active and some less active forms of sporting activity. Open Spaces also provide a means of improving the health and fitness of the Island's population.
