Planning permission exists for 437sqm of floorspace in the basement for uses in Class 3 by virtue of the 2005 planning permission for Food and drink. It is evident from the application which included a Planning Statement, and the officer's report that it was always intended for this to be an actively used area. Although the floorplans do not show details of stairs, this is because this is left for the operators to fit out.
The planning approval in 2007 for an outdoor smoking area shows a basement accessed by a stairwell. There are no basement floor plans as the application was just for the outdoor seating area for the restaurant.
The approval for an office in 2008 shows the basement being used for offices.
I feel that we must conclude that the basement has planning permission for use by the public (and subsequently by office worker for a canteen).
The current application is for a combined 'commercial' (i.e. office and food and drink) of 296sqm which is less than the 437sqm of the original approval, as there is a greater level of car parking.
Confirmation has been given by Heritage Homes that the basement has been tanked. This has been in consultation with Malcolm Cowin.
I would therefore conclude that this application represents an improvement on that previously approved.
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Source & Provenance
Official reference
10/00088/B
Source authority
Isle of Man Government Planning & Building Control
