Officer Report 24/03/2005
Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:98724}} {{table:98725}} {{table:98726}} {{table:98727}} {{table:98728}} {{table:98729}} {{table:98730}} {{table:98731}} ### Considerations ### Written Representations We have received 1 private representation for this application. ### Consultations ### Policy
Officer's Report
The site represents a presently vacant piece of land between two existing residences on the lower promenade in Port Erin alongside the beach.
Previously permission was granted for the erection of a pair of semi-detached houses on the land (PA 03/0726). This was for a three storey building with car parking alongside and at a height somewhere between that of the property immediately to the east and that alongside that which is a storey higher.
Now proposed is a slightly different scheme, still for a pair of semi-detached houses but taller (11.2m compared with 10.6m) wider (16m compared with 14m) as there is to be garaging included within the building between the two houses as well as parking spaces at the outer edges.
Also differing is the window array - there are now to be larger windows in the upper floor, an open terrace on the first floor and garage doors on the ground floor. The larger windows look a bit odd - none of the other windows in the streetscene have this top-heavy style of fenestration: the open terraces are poor in design and not in keeping and the inclusion of garage doors look poor and do not afford the drivers of emerging vehicles any visibility of pedestrians passing the site. However, neither do the parking spaces alongside the building which have been approved under the previous application.
Undoubtedly the smaller scheme approved previously has more to commend it and it would be easy to fall into the trap of refusing this as the former scheme was preferable. However, whilst this is the case, I feel that the additional width and height result in a dwarfing of "West Winds" and "The Cottage" and the design is out of keeping with its neighbours.
Recommendation
Recommended Decision : Refused
Date of Recommendation : 24.03.2005
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
R 1.
Whilst the Planning Committee has no objection to the erection of a pair of semi-detached houses on the site, as has been approved under PA 03/0726, this latest scheme results in a taller, wider building which dominates the existing neighbouring properties "West Winds" and "The Cottage". Also, the array of windows, including larger apertures on the second floor is not reflective of the general fenestration found elsewhere in buildings in the immediate vicinity and this, together with the open balcony and garage doors all contribute to a building which is out of keeping with the streetscene.
The Chief Fire Officer strongly recommends that the means of escape from the upper floors is unsafe.
Decision Made : ... Committee Meeting Date : ...
