13 April 2010 · Committee
Vacant Plot At, Close Beg, Ballawattleworth, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 2ar
Permission was granted for the erection of a three-storey Leisure and Community Centre on a vacant plot at Close Beg, Peel. The site sits to the north east of an existing commercial area within the Ballawattleworth Estate and to the south and south east of existing residential apartments, with access from Oak Road via the road into Close Beg. The application was considered by committee, with the officer recommending approval. The main planning issues examined were the potential impact of the building on the amenity of nearby residents, highway matters including access and parking, and whether the building's scale and design would be appropriate in the context of the surrounding area. Amended plans were submitted during the process, including a proposed site plan and a planting scheme for screening.
The application was permitted by committee on 13 April 2010. The officer recommended approval, and the key planning issues considered were the building's impact on neighbouring residents, highway access and parking, and whether the scale and design of the building would be appropriate for the surrounding area.
General Policy 2
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
Community Policy 2
It is judged that the proposal is in sympathy with Community Policy 2.
Community Policy 2: New community facilities should be located to serve the local population and be accessible to non -car users, and should where possible re-use existing vacant or underused buildings. 10.7.2 Local community facilities are important in providing for local communities without the need for travel and should be retained unless the site or premises are no longer suitable for the current or an alternative community use. Developers will be expected to demonstrate that the potential to use the site or building for other community uses has been investigated.
