15/00476/B
current application for conversion of the rear space to office use
8 June 2015 · Delegated
50, Bucks Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 3ad
This application sought permission to erect an extension to the rear of 50 Buck's Road, Douglas, and to convert the upper floors of the property into two apartments. The property is a mid-terraced, two-storey house with flat-roofed dormers to the front and rear, and an existing two-and-a-half storey monopitch annex at the rear. The officer's report identified three main planning issues: whether the works would harm the appearance of the streetscene, whether adequate car parking could be provided, and whether the proposed flats would have sufficient amenity space. The rear lane is noted as having a variety of multi-storey rear annexes, many flat-roofed and basic in form. The application was permitted on 8 June 2015 under delegated authority, in line with the officer's recommendation to approve.
The application was permitted on 8 June 2015 under delegated authority. The officer recommended approval, and the decision reflects that recommendation. Key planning considerations included the impact on the streetscene, car parking provision, and whether the converted flats would have adequate amenity space.
General Policy 2
the proposed use is consistent with that land use and the principles contained in General Policy 2 are relevant as follows
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
Housing Policy 17
Housing Policy 17 is also applicable
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
current application for conversion of the rear space to office use