1 July 2025 · Delegated
First Names Management Ltd, First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4df
This application sought permission to install illuminated signage at IQ-EQ, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle of Man. The site is the curtilage of a two-storey detached commercial building on a corner plot where Little Switzerland meets Victoria Road at a roundabout, with residential properties to the north-east and a retail park to the north-west. The main planning consideration identified in the officer report was the potential impact on residential amenity, given the proximity of nearby dwellinghouses. The application was permitted by delegated decision on 1 July 2025.
The application was permitted by delegated decision on 1 July 2025. The officer report identified residential amenity as the key planning issue, and the proposal was found acceptable in that context.
General Policy 2
accords with General Policies 2, 6 and 7
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
General Policy 6
accords with General Policies 2, 6 and 7
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
General Policy 7
accords with General Policies 2, 6 and 7
General Policy 7: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted. 6.6.3 Within rural areas, advertisements can be disruptive features which affect adversely the appearance of the landscape and the countryside. Lighting can pollute the night sky, and may be contrary to nature conservation interests.
