Applicant Appeal Statement

consideration of the overall height of the building relative to the adjacent properties.

Whilst it is acknowledged that this is not an ideal situation, it represents a very good compromise between the reduction of flood risk, and the need to keep the proposed development in scale with its surroundings. A further measure, which was recommended by the Senior Planning Officer, has been to avoid putting a bedroom at ground floor level.

Stability of the Site:

Concerns have been expressed regarding the stability of the site. Whilst such concerns have genuine substance, the Applicant has engaged the services of a respected Structural Engineer, John Gray, to ensure that the work can be carried out in safe manner, and a copy of his report has already been submitted as part of the Planning Application. Prior to work commencing on site, a ground condition survey would be carried out, so that detailed designs of both the temporary and permanent structural work can be prepared, and for the necessary Method Statements to be prepared and submitted to the Health and Safety Executive.

Disruption of Access during Building Works:

Whilst disruption to adjacent properties, and the use of Shore Road, is inevitable during the construction works, considerable efforts will be made to reduce such disruption to a minimum, and the Contractor will be required to work co-operatively with local residents. As pointed out by the Planning Officer, such potential disruption is not a valid reason, under Planning legislation, to refuse Planning Permission.

Summary:

In conclusion, whilst it is agreed that the site may not be the easiest site to develop, it is by no means impossible using today's technology to meet the challenges presented. In our view, the objections to this scheme are overstated, and the proposed building will make a positive contribution to the street-scape of Shore Road. The houses, far from being a speculative development, as claimed by several objectors, are to be built for the use of the Applicant, and his business partner. As such, the commercial considerations of

PA 09/01295 Erection of two dwellings with integral garages and associated visitor parking: Land in front of Bay View Hotel between Shore Road Underway and High Street, Port St. Mary, Isle of Man building on this site are irrelevant. The issue of flood risk has been dealt with in a pragmatic way which represents a sensible and practical compromise to the ideal recommended by the Drainage Section.

For the above reasons we would request that the original Planning Approval should be upheld at Appeal.

For and on behalf of Ashley Pettit Architects