14 March 2014 · Delegated
106, Queens Court, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 1lq
The application sought to enclose the existing balcony of apartment 106 on the first floor of Queens Court, a large 1970s apartment block off Queens Promenade, Ramsey, using uPVC glazing. The proposal was designed to match the glazed balcony enclosures already present on the second and third floors of the same block. The officer noted that many balconies across Queens Court are already enclosed, and that the nearby Kings Court follows a similar pattern, though there is no single uniform style across either block. The key planning question was whether the enclosure would harm the character of the building or the surrounding area. The officer concluded it would not, as the proposal replicates what already exists in the immediate vicinity, and five similar applications at Queens Court had previously been approved.
The proposal was approved because the uPVC glazed enclosure replicates existing enclosed balconies on the floors above and is consistent with the established character of Queens Court and the surrounding area. The officer found no adverse impact on the building's character or the wider streetscene, in line with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.
Strategic Plan
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
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
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in full accordance with the submitted documents and the following plans 1, 2, 3 and 4 all received on 28th January 2014.
