19 August 2014 · Delegated
St Thomas C Of E School, Finch Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2pl
Permission was granted for the erection of a replacement boundary fence and gates at St Thomas' Church of England Primary School on Finch Road, Douglas. The school site is located to the east of Finch Road, close to the town centre, with the playground at the rear sitting at a higher level above Market Street due to a significant change in ground levels. The front of the site, adjacent to Finch Road, lies within the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area. The officer report identified the effect on the conservation area's character and appearance, the impact on local amenities, and access and public safety as the main planning issues to be assessed. The application was approved on a delegated basis with two conditions attached. Existing safety and security fencing was already present around the school perimeter prior to this proposal.
The application was permitted on a delegated basis. The key planning considerations were the impact on the character and appearance of the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area, the effect on local amenities, and access and public safety. The proposal was found acceptable subject to two conditions.
The determination of matters under Part 2 (Development Control) and Part 3 (Special Controls) of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act shall have regard to the provisions of the Development Plan and all other material considerations.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
General Policy 1: The determination of matters under Part 2 (Development Control) and Part 3 (Special Controls) of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act shall have regard to the provisions of the Development Plan and all other material considerations. In this way, development will be directed towards sui table or preferred locations and away from unsuitable or undesirable locations. 6.1.3 Several planning issues and policies apply throughout the Strategic Plan. These are set out in this chapter rather than being repeated in each of the subsequent chapters. 6.2 Development within land-use zones
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.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
It places emphasis on the need to consider the impact of development proposals upon the special character of the Conservation Area.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 "Conservation of the Historic Environment"
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The development hereby approved shall not be carried out except in accordance with the following drawings: Drwg Nos P-01 and P-02 received on 21 May 2014.
