26 August 2025 · Delegated
14, Ashberry Avenue, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 1px
This application sought permission to create an off-street parking space at a semi-detached house on Ashberry Avenue, Douglas. The application was refused by delegated decision on 26 August 2025. The decision identified two planning concerns. The parking space was considered too small to accommodate a vehicle and maintain pedestrian access at the same time, raising the likelihood that a parked car would overhang onto the pavement and obstruct pedestrians. The proposal was also found to be out of character with the surrounding area, where the prevailing pattern consists of terraced houses with front gardens and parking located behind the properties. Introducing a front parking space was judged to conflict with that established character.
The application was refused on two grounds. First, the proposed parking space was too small to allow a car to park without potentially overhanging onto the pavement, which would obstruct pedestrian access. Second, the proposal was considered harmful to the character of the area, where the established pattern is terraced houses with front gardens and parking to the rear.
Refusal Reasons
IOM Strategic Plan
contrary to General Policy 2 & Transport Policy 4 of the IOM Strategic Plan
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
IOM Strategic Plan
contrary to General Policy 2 & Transport Policy 4 of the IOM Strategic Plan
Transport Policy 4: The new and existing highways which serve any n ew development must be designed so as to be capable of accommodating the vehicle and pedestrian journeys generated by that development in a safe and appropriate manner, and in accordance with the environmental objectives of this plan. 11.3.2 Notwithstanding policies within this plan which encourage travel by means other than private car it is anticipated that the number of vehicles using the Island's roads will continue to increase. This increase in demand is likely to lead to a greater need for road impro vements in order that travel can take place in a safe, effective, and environmentally acceptable manner. The Department of Transport will continue to assess the need for such improvements to public highways and undertake works where appropriate, with much of the improvement within existing roads carried out under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order2005. The need for improvements to the Island's highway network must be balanced against the environmental objectives of this plan.
PPS and NPD
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
