5 February 2026 · Committee
1, Snaefell View, Jurby, Isle Of Man, IM7 3bf
The proposal involves blocking up the front opening and windows of an existing bus shelter to the east of Jurby Road, and incorporating the structure into the garden of No. 1 Snaefell View as a private outbuilding. The shelter is the only one directly serving The Threshold and Snaefell View housing estate; the next nearest is approximately 455 metres away and involves around 93 metres of road without a pavement, making it unsafe for many users. The central planning issue was whether removing this community facility was acceptable under Community Policy 3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, which only permits the loss of a local community facility where it is no longer practical or desirable. The officer concluded that the application would ordinarily fail this test, but correspondence between the applicant and the Director of Public Transport confirmed that Bus Vannin had agreed to erect a standardised cantilever shelter directly in front of the existing one once remedial works are complete. A Grampian condition was attached requiring full details of the replacement shelter and a timescale for its installation to be approved before any alteration of the existing stop takes place.
Approval was granted because the replacement bus shelter condition ensures no net loss of public transport infrastructure for the local community. The development does not affect the streetscene or neighbouring amenity, and the shelter's incorporation into the residential curtilage raises no land-use conflict given its close proximity to the property and the predominantly residential zoning. With the Grampian condition in place, the proposal complies with General Policy 2 and Community Policy 3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
general standards towards acceptable development
the proposal will comply with General Policy 2 and Community Policy 3 of the Isle of Man 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
Development will only be permitted for the loss of a local community facility if it can be demonstrated that it is no longer practical or desirable.
the proposal will comply with General Policy 2 and Community Policy 3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan
Community Policy 3: Development (including the change of use of existing premises) which results in the loss of a local community facility (other than shops and public houses) will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that it is no longer practical or desirable to use the facility for its existing use or another use likely to benefit the local community. 10.8 Retention of Existing Local Shops and Public Houses The loss of facilities such as neighbourhood shops in towns and or village shops and public houses reduces customer choice and can also necessitate people travelling further to meet their needs. This is a particular problem in rural areas where village sh ops, post offices and public houses can be central to village life. It would be preferable to retain viable facilities, or those that can be made viable and where a change of use or re -development is proposed developers will be expected to show evidence o f attempts to market the property as a business in these areas.
promotes development take into account the particular character and identity of the environment.
The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies considered materially relevant to the assessment
pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
No development of the existing bus shelter shall commence until full details of the replacement bus shelter, together with a timescale for its installation, have been submitted to and approved in writing by Planning. The approved shelter shall be installed in accordance with the agreed timescale to ensure that no alteration of the existing bus stop shall take place until the replacement facility has been provided and is available for public use. REASON: To comply with Community Policy 3
Erection of detached garage (retrospective)
Erection of a detached garage and driveway extension
Change of use from existing community resource centre to residential
Erection of a detached garage and driveway extension
Change of use from residential accommodation to community resource centre