15 December 2014 · Delegated
Hillberry House, Hillberry Green, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 6de
Permission was granted for alterations and extensions to Hillberry House, a detached four-bedroom dwelling in the Hillberry Green private housing estate on the eastern edge of Douglas. The works included the creation of first floor living accommodation and new stair access. The officer's report noted that the house sits in relatively modest grounds for its size and is mainly two-storey with some single-storey wings. The surrounding estate is characterised by dwellings of a similar period, size, and architectural style, with significant mature trees throughout. The two main planning issues considered were the effect of the works on the character of the building and the streetscene, and the potential impact on neighbouring residential amenity. The application was approved with one condition.
The Department of Infrastructure approved the application on 15 December 2014. The key planning considerations were whether the works would affect the character of the building and the wider streetscene, and whether neighbouring residential amenity would be harmed. Both were found to be acceptable.
Circular relating to LDHP development
offers no specific guidance about alteration or extension to such dwellings
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 approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
