8 July 2025 · Committee
Street Record, Cronk Liauyr, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5lg
Permission was sought to install four wooden telegraph poles along the pavements of Slieau Dhoo, Tromode, Douglas, to supply fibre communications to a number of properties in the area. The street is characterised by a mix of traditional bungalows and chalet bungalows, with tarmacadam pavements and sporadic metal street lighting columns. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture's committee refused the application on 8 July 2025. The decision notice states that the height, size, and scale of the poles and their associated cabling would have a negative visual impact on the character of the street scene and would narrow the footpaths. The case officer had recommended approval, but the committee disagreed and refused permission. The application is one of a series of related proposals, with 11 prior planning references on record for the wider site.
The committee refused the application. The wooden telegraph poles and their associated cabling were judged to be too large in height and scale for the setting, narrowing footpaths and harming the character of a residential street scene made up of traditional bungalows and chalet bungalows. This was found to conflict with the relevant policies of the Strategic Plan. The case officer had recommended approval, but the committee reached the opposite conclusion.
Refusal Reasons
Development should make the best use of resources
(c) 4 Protection of the landscape and biodiversity (b)
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
Named service centre (Douglas)
General Development Considerations
(b,c,g,i,m)
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
Safeguarding the environment and/or the amenities of surrounding properties
(iii)
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.
Need for communications infrastructure versus environmental impacts
New developments should
a) Make provision for fibre optic cables directly to each dwelling or commercial premises
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