22 December 2021 · Delegated
3, Birchleigh Close, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 4ex
Permission was granted for a rear extension at 3 Birchleigh Close, Onchan, a residential bungalow situated in a cul-de-sac alongside similar dwellings and some two-storey houses. The property sits above road level, with a sloping driveway leading to a flat-roofed garage. The officer assessed the principle of the development, its design, visual impact on the street scene, and potential effects on neighbouring amenities. The report noted that several other properties in the area have already extended at the rear in a flat-roof manner, with glimpsed views of those roofs visible from the street. The application was approved on 22 December 2021 under delegated powers, with one condition attached.
The application was approved on 22 December 2021 under delegated powers. The officer considered the principle of the extension, its design, visual impact on the street scene, and effect on neighbouring amenities, and found it acceptable. No refusal reasons were raised.
General Policy 2
This application would be in accordance with General Policy 2 of the IoM 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
Strategic Policy 2
Spatial Policy 5
Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.
Strategic Policy 5
On balance, the proposals have been designed with Sp5, GP2b,j, EP42 and the RDG'21 in mind
Environment Policy 42
On balance, the proposals have been designed with Sp5, GP2b,j, EP42 and the RDG'21 in mind
pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
