9 June 2009 · Delegated
Engineering Works, Battery Pier, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bt
The proposal involved replacing an existing fire fighting pipeline at the Battery Pier Yard, Douglas, with an additional pipeline and a new set of pumps contained within a housing unit on site. The applicant stated the works were needed to meet current requirements for fire fighting capability. The site sits within an area zoned as harbour and light industrial in the Douglas Local Plan, making this type of operational infrastructure use consistent with the zoning. Permission was granted subject to two conditions, including a four-year commencement requirement and a condition tying the permission to the approved drawings.
The proposal was approved because the replacement infrastructure was compatible with the harbour and light industrial zoning, and the works were judged not to harm the visual amenities of the area. The purpose of the works — meeting modern fire fighting standards — supported the case for permission.
General Policy 2
Within the adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, the following policies are considered to be relevant in the determination of this application
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 permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This permission relates to the construction of a replacement fire fighting pumphouse and pipeline as shown in drawing numbers $P / 100, P / 101, P / 102$ and $P / 103$ date stamped 31st March 2009.
