21 March 2022 · Committee
Rtekk Holding Ltd, Park House, Isle Of Man Business Park, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 2qz
Permission was granted for works to Park House, a two-storey office building with roof space, located within the Isle of Man Business Park in Braddan. The proposal involved extending the second floor to create additional staff amenity space and removing an existing external porch. The application was considered by committee and approved on 21 March 2022. Officers examined three main planning issues: whether the development was acceptable in principle, its effect on the character and appearance of the building and surrounding area, and its impact on parking and highway safety. The site has a planning history of five previous applications. Permission was granted subject to three conditions.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application. Officers assessed the principle of the development, its effect on the character and appearance of the building and surrounding area, and its impact on parking and highway safety, finding it acceptable on all counts. Three conditions were attached to the permission.
General Policy 2
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
Business Policy 5
On land zoned for industrial use, permission will be given only for industrial development or for storage and distribution
Business Policy 5: On land zoned for industrial use, permission will be given only for industrial development or for storage and distribution; retailing will not be permitted except where either: (a) the items to be sold could not reasonably be sold from a town centre location because of their size or nature; or (b) the items to be sold are produced on the site and their sale could not reasonably be severed from the overall business; and, in respect of (a) or (b), where it can be demonstrated that the sales would not detract from the vitality and viabil ity of the appropriate town centre shopping area. 9.2.7 Where industrial development is proposed, it is essential that all parking and manoeuvring by vehicles which will be generated by the use of the site can be accommodated within the site and off the highway. This is particularly important within industrial estates where lack of parking and manoeuvring space can create significant difficulties for other estate users, particularly where the use of large and articulated vehicles is involved. Where mezzani ne levels are proposed after a building has been completed, the Department may require more parking space to accommodate the additional traffic which would be generated. The standards of parking provision which will be required are set out in Appendix 7. 9.2.8 Local requirements for industrial development of a particular sort will be identified during the preparation of Area Plans. The Department is aware that, within some parts of the Island, there is a demand for small "starter units".
Business Policy 7
Business Policy 7: New office floor space should be located within town and village centres on land which is zoned for the purpose on the appropriate area plan; exceptionally, permission may be given for new office space (a) on approved Business Parks for Corporate Headquarters which do not involve day to day callers; or (b) in buildings of acknowledged architectural or historic interest for which office use represents the only or most appropriate practicable and economic way of securing future use, renovation and maintenance.
Transport Policy 7
parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Strategic Policy 10
New development should be located and designed such as to promote a more integrated transport network with the aim to: (a) minimise journeys, especially by private car
Strategic Policy 10: New development should be located and designed such as to promote a more integrated transport network with the aim to: (a) minimise journeys, especially by private car; (b) make best use of public transport; (c) not adversely affect highway safety for all users, and (d) encourage pedestrian movement (1) Business Park is defined in Appendix 1 4.6 Social 4.6.1 The provision of an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the wider community is essential; this is in addition to the need to replace existing substandard or poor quality dwellings. Therefore;
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details of Staff Cycle Shelter (shown on Drw. No. 264/002 Rev A received 7 December 2021), and the changing facilities and locker areas (referred to in Agents Correspondence received 24 November 2021), shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. Prior to the second floor accommodation being brought into use, the Staff Cycle storage, changing facilities and locker areas shall be provided strictly in accordance with the details, and thereafter retained as such.
Condition 3
The second floor of the building hereby approved shall only be used in full accordance with drawing number 264/020a as a 'staff breakout space' and shall not be used as office space.
Extensions to office building
Permitted on Review.
Extension to office building (amendment to approved PA 00/00384)
Permitted.
Change of use of Park House from Business Park Service Centre Office to allow office based use in accordance with original Business Park
Permitted.
Variation of approved office use
Permitted.
Conversion of ground floor of office building to create coffee shop, with retention of office use above
Permitted.