10 August 2021 · Delegated
Cronk Grianagh Park, Braddan Road, Strang, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 4nu
Permission was granted for the erection of public toilets, a seating area and a canopy at Cronk Grianagh Park, adjacent to the existing skateboard park in Strang, Douglas. The application was an amendment to an earlier permitted scheme (reference 19/01008/B). The site is a roughly 9-acre public park situated between Cronk Grianagh, Ballanawin and the River Dhoo. It already contains a skate park, BMX track, children's play equipment, picnic tables and a network of footpaths, with the land sloping down towards the river to the southwest. The officer assessed three main issues: whether the development was acceptable in principle, its visual impact on the park setting, and any effect on trees. The application was approved by delegated decision with three conditions attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application. The officer's assessment considered the principle of the development, its visual impact, and any effect on trees, and found the proposal acceptable. Three conditions were attached to the permission.
IOM Strategic Plan
The proposal is considered to accord with General Policy 2 of the IOM Strategic Plan.
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
design considerations for open space
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan is applicable in the assessment in addition to Recreational Policy 2 and Appendix 6 which covers design considerations for open space
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, the protection measures detailed on the Tree Protection Plan (18/2680/24), submitted in support of the application shall be fully installed and implemented and retained for the duration of the construction process, unless otherwise stated. Within the Construction Exclusion Zones identified on this drawing, nothing shall be stored, placed or disposed of above or below ground, the ground level shall not be altered, no excavations shall be made, no mixing of cement or use of other contaminating materials or substances shall take place, nor shall any fires be lit, without prior written consent of the Department. Reason: To ensure the protection of high quality trees.
Condition 3
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS), adhering to the recommendations of BS5837:2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - recommendations), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The AMS should address how the excavations required to install the foul drain shall be undertaken without having an adverse impact on the heath and longevity of retained trees. The agreed protection measures and construction methods shall be adhered to in full. Reason: To ensure the protection of trees. This approval relates to the following plans and drawings received 8th June 2021:
