Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:94192}} ### Considerations {{table:94187}} ### Written Representations We have received 1 private representations for this application. ### Consultations {{table:94188}} {{table:94189}} {{table:94190}} {{table:94191}}

Officer's Report

The application seeks approval for the change of use of an existing ground floor shop into office accommodation. The property, which is currently vacant, is located adjacent to The Bridge Inn on Bowring Road, Ramsey. There is a concurrent planning application, 04/02213/A, seeking approval for the conversion of the upper floors into three self-contained apartments.

The application has received objections, which can be summarised as concern regarding car parking provision and the impact of the use as an office.

The applicant's agent has advised that the property would form a single office unit housed within the whole of the ground floor level with access via the existing entrance door. With regards to car parking they suggest that car parking is available in front of The Bridge Inn and within the surrounding area.

In terms of local plan policy the application site is within an area identified as being predominantly residential within the Ramsey Local Plan. The shop unit has been vacant for a considerable amount of time and, as such, I consider that it is appropriate to examine other uses. On balance, whilst car parking is possibly a little limited within the area I would suggest that the continued vacancy of the property is undesirable. Indeed, I consider that the impact of an office would be similar or possibly less than that of a shop. Therefore, on balance, I believe that the proposed change of use is acceptable and recommend that the planning application be approved.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision : Permitted

Date of Recommendation : 07.03.2005

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The use must be taken up within four years of the date of this notice in order for this approval to remain valid after that time.

C 2. The approval relates to the use of the ground floor as a single office unit as shown in the location plan and drawing no. 2779/1 date stamped the 26th October 2004. SN. 2 Gnsulr Cfo .

Decision Made : ... Committee Meeting Date : ...