Officer Planning Report
Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:128347}} {{table:128348}} {{table:128349}} {{table:128350}} ### Considerations {{table:128351}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations
Officer's Report
The Site
The site represents the curtilage of an existing shop located in Malew Street within Castletown's Conservation Area.
Planning Policy
The site is within an area designated on the Castletown Local Plan as Mixed Use.
Planning History
Previously planning permission was granted for the replacement of the shop-front as is proposed here (PA 00/2032).
Also proposed previously was the following:
89/0090 - alterations and extension to form additional shop area with office accommodation above - refused 89/0846 - alterations and extensions - permitted 90/1574 - change of use to amusement arcade - refused on review 93/1215 - internal and external alterations - permitted 00/1159 - installation of new shop-front with access to dwelling above - refused on review.
Representations
The Disability Access Officer recommends that the new shop-front enables disabled persons to be able to access the building.
Assessment
The existing shop-front is not traditional - a simple rectangular aperture subdivided into two equal panes with a rendered surround and plain door. The proposed is more ornate and provides a separate access door to the living accommodation above. Whilst the plans are exactly the same as those proposed and approved under PA 00/2032, there are three windows shown above the ground floor whereas the photograph shows two and there is a new door to the living accommodation with no indication of how the internal layout will change. PA 93/1215 proposed internal as well as external changes and included a new access to the upper floor. This application does not do this.
The applicant has explained to me that the drawing is inaccurate in that there are two windows not three and there is no proposal to change this. Mr. Black also explained that there is presently a staircase within the shop which leads to the flat upstairs and there is no proposal as such to install the staircase or to change the internal layout other than to provide a separate door for the living accommodation.
The proposal represents an improvement in the appearance of the property and as such the proposal should be permitted.
Party Status
The Disability Access Officer represents a statutory authority and as such should be afforded party status.
Recommendation
Recommended Decision: Permitted
Date of Recommendation: 04.05.2006
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 development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
C 2.
This permission relates to the replacement of the existing shopfront and introduction of separate access to the upper floors all as shown in drawings 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05 all recieved on 9th February, 2006.
N 1.
The applicant is recommended to ensure that the new shopfront makes provision for access and egress by unassisted wheelchair users.
I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular Nos 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control) and 47/05 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer)
Decision Made : Permitted Date : 10/5/06
Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control
