8 September 2021 · Delegated
Paramount City, Queens Promenade, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4nn
Permission was granted to convert the Paramount City building on Queens Promenade, Douglas, from a nightclub and public house into residential accommodation on the first and second floors, with a mixed-use café and barber's shop plus outdoor seating on the ground floor. The site is a three-storey detached building on the north side of Queens Promenade, with double doors and casement windows at ground level. The application was assessed against the principle of the development, its effect on the Conservation Area, amenity for future residents and neighbours, and highway and parking matters. During the assessment, an amendment was required to swap the positions of the proposed bike storage and bin storage at the front of the building. This change was made to protect neighbouring amenities and preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The application was approved with three conditions.
The application was approved on 8 September 2021. Officers considered the principle of the development acceptable and were satisfied that the proposal would not harm the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. An amendment was made during the process, swapping the positions of the bike and bin storage at the front of the building, to protect neighbouring amenities and preserve the conservation area setting.
General Policy 2
The proposal is considered to comply with General Policy 2
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
Environment Policy 35
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.
Transport Policy 7
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The proposed fence for screening the bin storage shall be painted entire black or entirely white, any colour agreed with the department in writing.
Condition 3
No approval is hereby given to the erection of any signage.
