7 February 2022 · Committee
Flat 1, 8, Fort William, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bq
This retrospective application sought permission for decking that had already been constructed at Flat 1, 8 Fort William, Head Road, Douglas. The property is a flat within a late 19th century town house, and the application site covers the front garden area as well as a section of land to the north of the adjacent pedestrian footpath. The main planning issues considered were the effect of the decking on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and any impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties. Amendments to the application were submitted in September 2021 during the course of the assessment. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, acting through its committee, approved the application on 7 February 2022, subject to four conditions.
The committee approved the retrospective application for decking at Flat 1, 8 Fort William. The key planning considerations were the impact on the character and appearance of the area and the effect on neighbouring amenity, both of which were found to be acceptable.
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
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 28
Development which would be at risk from ground instability or which would increase the risk from ground instability elsewhere will not be permitted unless appropriate precautions have been taken
Environment Policy 28: Development which would be at risk from ground instability or which would increase the risk from ground instability elsewhere will not be permitted unless approp riate precautions have been taken. 7.23 Consultation Zones for Hazardous Installations 7.23.1 There are a number of installations on the Island that represent a constraint on development in the vicinity because of health and safety considerations. Such installations are essential Island facilities such as the petroleum and LPG storage at Douglas Harbour. The type of constraint posed to development varies by facility and therefore there will be a need for the Department to consult with the Health and Saf ety at Work Inspectorate regarding any development within such zones.
Condition 1
Within one month of this decision becoming final a scaled drawing (1:50) shall be submitted in writing to the Department for approval which shows the reinstatement of the former front boundary wall topping (matching neighbouring property Nr 9) and this approved scheme is required to be completed within 3 months of the approval of such works and retained thereafter.
Condition 2
Prior to the occupation of the decked area the front facing steel (harbour side currently painted red) work below the decking area shall be painted/coloured a dark green colour and retained thereafter.
Condition 3
Prior to the occupation of the decked area the plinth/sides of base platform shall be painted/coloured a dark colour and retained thereafter.
Condition 4
Within one month of the decision becoming final a scheme shall be submitted in writing to the Department for approval to highlight the step from the decking to the footpath to the west of the site/decking and this approved scheme shall be completed prior to the occupation of the decking area and retained thereafter.
