18 September 2015 · Delegated
First Names Management Ltd, First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4df
This application sought permission to create additional car parking spaces within the curtilage of Clerical Medical House, a vacant two-storey detached office block on Victoria Road, Douglas. The surrounding land already provides car parking serving the office. The main planning issues considered were the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, and whether the removal of trees and a grass verge to accommodate the new spaces was acceptable. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 18 September 2015, with one condition attached. The officer's recommendation was also to permit the development.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 18 September 2015. The key planning considerations were the impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and whether the loss of trees and grass verge was acceptable. Permission was granted with one condition.
General Policy 2
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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 approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
