14 July 2025 · Delegated
7, High Street, Port St. Mary, Isle Of Man, IM9 5dp
Permission was granted for the conversion of the ground floor shop at 7 and 7A High Street, Port St Mary into a residential unit. The works include replacing the existing shopfront with blockwork and windows, forming a new side entrance, erecting an outbuilding to the rear, adding a first floor extension with a rear dormer, re-roofing, and replacing windows throughout. The site is a 2.5 storey end-of-terrace building in the town centre, currently comprising a ground floor retail unit, a first floor flat, and roof storage space. The building has rendered walls, a slate roof, and a painted timber shopfront. The application was assessed against the principle of the development, its impact on neighbouring residential amenity, its effect on the character and appearance of the area, and transport and highway safety. It was approved with four conditions by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority.
The application was approved by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority. The key planning issues considered were the principle of converting the retail unit to residential use, the impact on neighbouring residents, and the effect on the character and appearance of the area. The proposal was found acceptable on all these grounds.
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
The proposals therefore comply with General Policy 2
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
Environment Policy 35
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
Housing Policy 17
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
Community Policy 3 of the 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.
Mixed Use Proposal 2 within the Area Plan for the South
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The development shall be completed in accordance with the materials as indicated on the approved drawings.
Condition 3
The rooflights hereby permitted shall be flush fitting and of a conservation style only.
Condition 4
The home office hereby approved shall only be used by persons who are residing in one of the residential units on the site.