25 November 2021 · Delegated
1, Lezayre Park, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2ps
Permission was sought to site and clad a shipping container in the rear garden of 1 Lezayre Park, Ramsey, for use as motorcycle storage and a workshop, along with widening the existing driveway access. The application was partly retrospective, meaning the container had already been placed on site. The application was refused by the Head of Development Management under delegated authority on 25 November 2021. Three reasons were given: the principle of placing a shipping container in a residential area was found wholly unacceptable; its form and bulk would harm the character of the surrounding street scene; and its metal construction, combined with its proposed use as a workshop, would likely amplify noise and cause significant disturbance to the neighbouring dwelling at number 3. The decision reflected concerns that this type of structure belongs in industrial or port settings, not residential gardens, and that the specific location next to a neighbouring property made the noise impact particularly serious.
The application was refused on three grounds. A shipping container is considered wholly inappropriate in a residential setting and should be confined to industrial or port locations. Its bulky, industrial appearance would be an incongruous feature that harms the character of the street scene. Additionally, because the metal container would be used as a workshop, it would likely amplify noise and cause significant disturbance to the immediately neighbouring property.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2
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
Environment Policy 22
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
