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Within the adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, the following policies are considered to be relevant in the determination of this application: General Policy 2 and Business Policy 5.
The application site is zoned as light industrial in the Douglas Local Plan. The application is seeking a variation of condition 5 of PA 08/00840/B to allow the display and sale of industrial and automotive products. The original condition stated that "The showroom shall only be used for the display and sale of hardware, ironmongery, powertools, fixings, garage and industrial doors, and balustrade systems." It was considered at the time it was important to attach a condition to the planning permission restricting the type of goods which can be sold from the building so as not allow the site to be used for general retail purposes which would be contrary to policies within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007.
It is understand that the previous occupiers of the unit have ceased trading and the unit is vacant.
The applicants are interested in occupying the unit but are unable to due to the existing condition restricting the type of goods to be displayed and sold from the site.
The applicants have indicated that the main business is wholesaling. Approximately 90% of the business is serviced via the distribution of automotive and industrial parts throughout the Island on a daily basis. The remaining 10% consists of walk-in trade. The applicant states that "Trade customers have a requirement for premises offering the display and sale of automotive and industrial parts. For example, a large toolbox can cost from £200 - £4000, and would not be usually bought unseen. This hands-on approach applies to many other items that we sell, such as compressors and powertools. Customers may also seek expert advice face-to-face, or require the flexibility of taking an item immediately rather than awaiting delivery. A town centre location is unsuitable for these large and bulky items, and for the nature of our business. Consequently we are looking to continue trading within the environment of an industrial estate."
The applicants have indicated the various types of products they distribute and sell. These are Spark Plugs, Filters, Cylinder Heads, Drive Belts, Clutches, Brakes and Batteries, Powertools, Air Tools, Compressors, Generators, Grinders, Tool Boxes, Engine Cranes, Jacks & Lifts, Number Plates, Wheel Trims, Car Mats, Bulbs, Exhausts, Shelving, Paint, Sealants and Adhesives.
Many of the items to be sold by the applicants are relatively bulky in nature. Storage and sales facilities within town centres for bulky goods are rare. It is considered the majority of the items could not be reasonably sold in a town centre location. Furthermore, these are specialist items which are not readily found in a town centre and the sale of these items would not in my opinion detract from the vitality and viability of Douglas Town Centre.
RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that condition 5 be varied. PARTY STATUS
The local authority are, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (c) and (d), considered "interested persons" and as such should be afforded party status.
The Highways Division of the Department of Transport is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part of. As such, the Highways Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance.
Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 07.12.2010 Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal
C 1.
7 December 2010 10/01516/C Page 2 of 3
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
C 2. This permission relates to the variation of condition 5 of PA 08/0084/B as shown in drawing numbers IFF/2009/1 and 15/31/1 date stamped 13th October 2010, Letter from Auto Trade Centre Ltd dated 13th October 2010.
C 3. The building hereby permitted shall not be occupied until the car parking and manoeuvring areas have been provided in accordance with the approved plans, and those areas shall thereafter be kept available at all times for their respective purposes.
C 4. The building shall only be used for the purpose identified on drawing number 15/31/1 date stamped 13th October 2010. No part of the building shall be used for a different purpose unless written consent of the planning authority has been first obtained.
C 5. The showroom shall only be used for the display and sale of Spark Plugs, Filters, Cylinder Heads, Drive Belts, Clutches, Brakes and Batteries, Powertools, Air Tools, Compressors, Generators, Grinders, Tool Boxes, Engine Cranes, Jacks & Lifts, Number Plates, Wheel Trims, Car mats, Bulbs, Exhausts, Shelving, Paint, Sealants and Adhesives.
I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer.
Decision Made : Permitted Date : ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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