24 January 2024 · Delegated
Netherby, Douglas Road, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1tn
The application sought permission to erect a non-illuminated development sales board at Netherby, Douglas Road, Castletown, positioned to the northeast of the site entrance along Douglas Road. The sign relates to an approved residential development at the same site — seven detached dwellings with garages approved under a previous planning permission. The key planning issues were the principle of the signage, its visual impact on the area, and highway safety. The sign was approved on a temporary basis only, reflecting that it serves the specific and time-limited purpose of advertising the houses for sale on the approved development.
The sign was permitted because it was not considered to cause any significant harm to public or private amenity, and it met the relevant Isle of Man Strategic Plan policies on development quality and rural advertisement display. It was approved on a temporary basis only, as it meets a specific need tied to the marketing of the approved housing development.
General Policy 2
comply with General Policy 2, 6, 7 & 8 of the IOM Strategic Plan 2016
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
General Policy 6
comply with General Policy 2, 6, 7 & 8 of the IOM Strategic Plan 2016
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
General Policy 7
comply with General Policy 2, 6, 7 & 8 of the IOM Strategic Plan 2016
General Policy 7: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted. 6.6.3 Within rural areas, advertisements can be disruptive features which affect adversely the appearance of the landscape and the countryside. Lighting can pollute the night sky, and may be contrary to nature conservation interests.
General Policy 8
comply with General Policy 2, 6, 7 & 8 of the IOM Strategic Plan 2016
General Policy 8: Within rural areas the display of external advertisements will be permitted only where: (a) they are located on or directly next to the premises to which they relate; (b) they do not detract from the appearance of either the immediate area or the landscape; (c) they are normally constructed of traditional materials unless the nature of the display or location would render such materials inappropriate; (d) any illumination, which will be permitted only where it is essential, is kept to a minimum and is so hooded as to prevent undesirable escape of light; (e) they are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard; and (f) any illumination will not have an adverse effect on areas of ecological value. 6.7 Public Art 6.7.1 Our environment is improved by the provision of works of art in public places, particularly if that art reflects the cultural traditions or history of a particular area. 6.7.2 The Department will support the inclusion of such artwork in development proposals, and will expect such inclusion within major proposals. Artwork may take the form of public sculpture, s uch as the recently erected statues of T. E. Brown and Sir William Hillary in Douglas, or may be incorporated into features such as friezes, railings or landscaping. Commissions to locally based artists would be particularly welcome.
Condition 1
The two signs hereby approved shall be for a limited period of 24 months from the date of this approval or until the last dwelling approved under PA 21/01567/B has been occupied, whichever is sooner, and shall be removed from site and the landscaping as approved by condtion 7 of PA 21/00278/B (Drawing 01 Planting Plan 1 of 2) be completed.
Condition 2
No approval is hereby given for any form of illumination of the sign hereby approved.
