24 March 2021 · Delegated
6, Highfield Crescent, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 3bh
Permission was granted for works at 6 Highfield Crescent, Onchan, comprising an extension to the existing detached bungalow, replacement of the garage door with a window, and widening of the driveway and vehicular access. The property is a detached bungalow typical of the surrounding area, with a flat roof garage attached to the north elevation by a hallway link. The planning assessment focused on three main issues: the visual impact of the development on the street scene, the potential effect on the amenities of neighbouring properties, and highway safety arising from the widened access. The application was approved by delegated decision on 24 March 2021, with one condition attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 24 March 2021. The key planning issues considered were the visual impact on the surrounding area, the potential effect on neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, and privacy, and highway safety. The proposal was found acceptable on all these grounds.
Extensions and alterations to existing residential property will generally not be opposed where such proposals are appropriate in terms of scale, massing, design, appearance and impact on adjacent property.
Policy O/RES/P/21 states:
General Policy 2
The proposed alterations to the dwellinghouse would be an appropriate form of development that does not harm the use and enjoyment of neighbouring properties and designed to would comply with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
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.
