98/01881/AApproved1999
Approval in principle for creation of two building plots, land alongside Brook House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
7 May 2015 · Committee
Quarterbridge House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 3rl
The proposal involved demolishing the existing dwelling at Quarterbridge House — a modern building in pale orange/yellow brick described as lacking the character of neighbouring properties — and erecting three dwellings in its place, with one at the front of the plot and two to the rear. The site sits within a residential area under the Douglas Local Plan and slopes around 6 metres over its 67-metre depth, with a wide frontage of approximately 46 metres. The main planning issues were the impact on the streetscene, effects on neighbouring and future residents' amenity, and highway safety. Existing trees were found to screen the site from wider views along Peel Road and Tromode Road, limiting visual impact. The officer concluded that the development made good use of an underused previously developed site in a sustainable location and could be delivered in conformity with General Policy 2 standards, and the Planning Committee agreed.
The application was approved because the site is an underused residential plot in a sustainable location, the existing dwelling was not considered to be of particular merit, and the development could meet general development standards. The highway safety concern raised by the Department of Infrastructure was resolved through amended plans showing a single access point. Existing tree screening limits the visual impact on wider views, and the proposal was judged to make better use of the land without compromising amenity standards.
General standards of development
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
Approval in principle for four building plots & roadway, land adjacent to Brook House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
in principle for creation of residential development comprising three building plots, land adjacent to Brook House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
Approval in principle for creation of two building plots, land alongside Brook House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
Approval in principle for erection of single dwelling, land adjacent to Brook House, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
Erection of dwelling, site between Brook House and Perth, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas
erection of a detached garage with living accommodation