31 December 2009 · Delegated
Flat 2, 25, Demesne Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 3dz
The property, 'Woodlynn' at 25 Demesne Road, is a semi-detached house within the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area in Douglas, zoned for predominantly residential use. The proposal was to replace the existing timber sliding sash windows on the front elevation with white uPVC sliding sash windows of the same sliding sash design and opening method. This application addressed those concerns by retaining the sliding sash design. The officer concluded that the like-for-like design approach preserved the special features of the Conservation Area and was in keeping with the character of the property and surrounding area, satisfying Environment Policy 35 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 and Planning Circular 1/98.
The application was approved because the proposed uPVC windows replicate the sliding sash design and opening method of the existing timber windows, meaning the change in material does not alter the appearance or character of the front elevation. This directly addressed the reasons for refusal on two previous applications and was judged to preserve the character of the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area in line with Environment Policy 35.
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
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
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
The Alteration and Replacement of Windows
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the submitted Drawing 0032, 0032 A, 0032 B and 0032 C all received on 22nd October, 2009 and e-mail from applicants agent received on 28th October, 2009.
