15 February 2010 · Delegated
National Sports Centre, Groves Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 1rb
The proposal involved erecting a single-storey, hipped-roof changing block on a currently unused grass area to the rear of the all-weather pitch at the National Sports Centre, Groves Road, Douglas. The building was designed to match the finish and style of the adjacent sports development unit, though at a lower height. It would provide four changing rooms, four sets of toilets, disabled person's toilets, and a first aid room directly serving the all-weather pitch. The site sits within an area designated as Tourism and Leisure under the Douglas Local Plan 1999, making the proposed use consistent with the land use designation. The officer assessed parking, traffic movement on the perimeter road, and visual impact. Parking could be accommodated alongside the application site, and slow-moving perimeter traffic was not considered a safety concern.
The proposal was consistent with the Tourism and Leisure designation and provided facilities directly needed by the existing all-weather pitch. Parking and traffic impacts were judged manageable given the slow-speed perimeter road and available space. The building's design matched the adjacent sports development unit, avoiding any adverse visual impact. No material planning harm was identified.
Tourism and Leisure
The site lies within an area designated on the Douglas Local Plan of 1999 as Tourism and Leisure.