16 March 2010 · Delegated
31, Hutchinson Square, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4hw
Permission was granted to convert a three-storey pitched roof dwelling at 31 Hutchinson Square, Douglas, Isle of Man, into four self-contained apartments. The site includes parking to the rear. The application was decided on 16 March 2010 by the Director of Planning and Building Control using delegated powers. The case officer, Mr Gary Barr, recommended approval, and the decision was permitted in line with that recommendation.
The application was permitted on 16 March 2010 by the Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority. The officer also recommended approval. The formal decision record lists 2 conditions.
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the submitted Drawings 01 1679 PO1, 01 1679 PO2, 01 1679 PO3 A, 01 1679 PO4 and a Planning Statement all received on 19th January, 2010.
