15 October 2014 · Committee
Chapel Site, Main Road, Union Mills, Isle Of Man, IM4 4ad
Little Cherubs Kindergarten applied to vary a condition on an earlier planning permission for The Old Chapel in Union Mills. The condition in question set a cap on the number of children allowed at the site; this application sought to raise that cap from nineteen to twenty seven. The Old Chapel is a prominent traditional stone building with arched windows, bounded by stone walling on three sides. The site includes parking for seven vehicles, with three further spaces available to the north of the building. The Department of Infrastructure approved the application on 15 October 2014, subject to three conditions. The officer had recommended approval.
The Department of Infrastructure approved the application to vary a condition attached to an earlier planning permission. The change allows Little Cherubs Kindergarten to increase the maximum number of children on site from nineteen to twenty seven. The officer recommended approval and the committee agreed.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Overall it is concluded that the planning application is in accordance 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
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Community Policy 2: New community facilities should be located to serve the local population and be accessible to non -car users, and should where possible re-use existing vacant or underused buildings. 10.7.2 Local community facilities are important in providing for local communities without the need for travel and should be retained unless the site or premises are no longer suitable for the current or an alternative community use. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that the potential to use the site or building for other community uses has been investigated.
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 vehicle parking at the front and south of the building as shown on the approved plans, shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles by parents in connection with the use of the building hereby approved, and shall be kept free of obstruction for such use at all times. The three parking spaces on land to the north shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles by staff or parents in connection with the use of the building and shall be kept free of obstruction for such use at all times.
Condition 3
The maximum number of children attending the building at any one time shall not exceed twenty seven.
Erection of a log cabin to be used in conjunction with the pre-school nursery.
Erection of illuminated signage
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.
