13 February 2015 · Delegated
1, Douglas Street, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1ba
This application sought permission to convert a former ground floor shop and the flat above into a single residential dwelling at The Chocolate Box, 1 Douglas Street, Peel. The building is a four-storey mid-terrace property forming part of an attractive terrace just off Market Place, adjacent to Peel Castle Hotel Apartments. The ground floor and basement had previously been used for retail but had been vacant for over ten years at the time of the application. The upper floors were already in residential use. The Department of Infrastructure approved the application on 13 February 2015, subject to one condition. The officer's assessment focused on whether the development was acceptable in principle, its potential effect on the viability of the town, and its impact on the character and appearance of the street scene.
The Department of Infrastructure approved the application, subject to one condition. The key planning issues considered were whether the change of use was acceptable in principle, whether it would affect the viability of the town, and whether it would harm the appearance of the street scene.
Strategic Policy 1
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007)
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
General Policy 2
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007)
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
