Planning Statement 12 Feb 2009

Planning Statement

12th February 2009

Job No. - Client - Project: -

Mr \& Mrs Paul Collins

Change of use of retail unit to flat. Internal alterations and porch extension 30, Central Drive, Onchan An application no 01/1211 regarding the treatment of the front apron/parking area was approved at appeal in June 2002. A more recent application no. 08/01805/B was approved at the meeting of 7th January 2009.

My clients, Mr \& Mrs Paul Collins now wish to make an amendment to the more recently approved scheme by slightly revising the position of the new porch, all other elements of the original application, i.e. change of use of the ground floor retail (shop) to a flat, change of windows etc. will remain. It is understood that the Department of Transport, Highways Division have lodged an objection to the approval as the Inspectors recommendation of the 20th June 2002 were not included in the recent approval.

The basis of the objection is that the front apron of the shop was designated parking on the approved drawings for 4 spaces, as previously used when the premises was a shop. The Department of Transport believe that the space at 4.75 m is not a standard parking space length and will cause overhanging of the pavement, there was also a query regarding the extent of actual ownership and this has been confirmed as shown on the site plan with a red line.

Whilst this may be the subject of an Appeal, without prejudice, the present scheme seeks to address the Department of Transport concerns by providing two full size spaces for the new apartments entered from the adjacent side lane, this will then release at least two further spaces for street parking. Two small garden areas can then be created. I feel this is a preferable layout in that the car parking spaces can be used without crossing the pavement, i.e. separating cars from pedestrians, whilst also continuing the front gardens typical of the area. I believe this layout is in line with the Inspectors recommendations. Although not part of this application I can confirm the occupant of the first floor flat has parking provision in the nearby garages also owned by my client.

The re-positioning of the porch is a relatively minor alteration and has been fully discussed by my client with the Planning Officer for the area, Mr C Balmer, who had no reservations with the proposals.

The Planning Officer in his assessment of the previous scheme drew attention to the internal area of the new flat. I can confirm that this is in fact 48 m 2 which complies with The Environmental Health minimum recommendation of 45 m 2 for registration of a two bedroom Flat.

I would also confirm that the last known use of the ground floor area as retail space was approximately 2 years ago.