22 May 2014 · Delegated
Chapel Site, Main Road, Union Mills, Isle Of Man, IM4 4ad
The application sought permission to erect a log cabin within the grounds of The Old Chapel, a prominent traditional stone building with arched windows on the northern side of the A1 Peel Road in Union Mills. The site is enclosed by stone walling on three sides and has parking for seven vehicles on site, with three further spaces available nearby. The key planning issue was the impact of the log cabin on the appearance of the locality and public amenity. The officer concluded that the development was acceptable, finding that the proposed building would serve as an additional use and working area for the pre-school nursery already approved at the site, and that it accorded with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007. The application was permitted by delegated decision in May 2014, subject to three conditions.
The development was judged acceptable because it would support the operation of the newly approved pre-school nursery and did not raise concerns about the appearance of the locality or public amenity. The proposal was found to comply with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, which requires development to respect its surroundings and not adversely affect local amenity or character.
General Policy 2
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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 approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The maximum number of children attending the premises at any one time shall not exceed nineteen.
Condition 3
The vehicle parking at the front and south of the building and the three parking spaces to the north of the building, as shown on the Location Plan approved under PA 13/91391/B, shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles in connection with the use of the premises and shall be kept free of obstruction for such use at all times.
Change of use from office to a pre-school nursery
Alterations to existing front wall to create additional onsite parking
Alterations and two storey extension to provide additional office accommodation
Installation of roof lights
Conversion of 1st floor of chapel to form office accommodation
Conversion of former chapel to office accommodation
erection of illuminated signage
