31 July 2014 · Delegated
Chapel Site, Main Road, Union Mills, Isle Of Man, IM4 4ad
Permission was granted for the erection of illuminated signage at the Old Chapel on Main Road, Union Mills, Isle of Man, for Little Cherubs Kindergarten. The application was decided on 31 July 2014 under delegated authority. The Old Chapel is a prominent building in the street scene, finished in traditional stonework with arched windows. The key planning issues considered were the visual impact of the signage on the character of the surrounding area and highway safety. During the application process, plans were amended to reduce the size of the signage after Braddan Parish Commissioners raised concerns that the original proposal conflicted with general planning policy on design and character. The amended scheme was found to be acceptable and consent was granted subject to two conditions.
The application was approved by a Senior Planning Officer under delegated authority on 31 July 2014. The main planning considerations were the impact of the signage on the appearance of the surrounding area and highway safety. Plans were amended during the process to reduce the size of the signage after Braddan Parish Commissioners raised concerns about its compatibility with the character of the area.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Overall it is concluded that the application accord with the provisions of 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
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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.
Condition 1
The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
The signage shall not be illuminated except between 0700hrs and 1900hrs Monday to Friday.
Erection of a log cabin to be used in conjunction with the pre-school nursery.
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.