Approval in Principle Statement

The Applicant, the Shoprite Group are seeking Approval in Principle to develop part of the former Isle of Man Holiday Centre site on Victoria Road, Douglas, to provide five small office units, with a total gross floor area of approximately 2.800 sq.m. This AIP application is submitted simultaneously with a full detailed application for four similar office units on the western part of this Isle of Man Holiday Centre site. The site area has previously received planning approval for a Business Park, Technology Park and hotel under previous applications 88/0946, 89/1503 and 89/1519 respectively. In The Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Douglas Local Plan) 1998, Development Plan Map No. 3 (North) which accompanies the Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Douglas Local Plan) 1998, the site is contained within the areas zoned for 'Business Park'.

The external finish of the office units will be in keeping with the conditions of planning approval notice 89/1503, with walls of manx stone and sand/cement render. The roofs will have a slate look-a-like roof tile finish. The site layout of buildings and parking bays has been designed to respect the existing topography and trees. The site layout retains almost all trees with only three trees being felled, and 19 new trees planted in mitigation.

The access to the development is from the existing lane leading to Victoria Road. The scheme provides car parking for 100 cars, five of which are for disabled drivers. The anticipated occupancy for the offices is 22-23 persons per unit, giving an overall total estimated occupancy of 110 to 115 persons. It is anticipated that people will go to work by car, as a passenger in a car, by bus, by cycle and on foot. The site is easily accessible on foot from many local residential areas. The site is also near major bus routes and can be easily accessed by bus. It is anticipated that 78% of occupants will travel alone to work by car. This means the parking provision will require 90 car spaces. The site layout shows an additional overflow or visitor parking of 10 spaces giving a total of 100 parking spaces on the development.

It is anticipated the surface water will be attenuated on site and discharged to the nearby stream via a hydro-brake chamber. It is anticipated the foul drainage will be discharged into the mains sewer in the nearby lane.

The Applicants respectfully request approval for Approval in Principle for the proposed development.