Officer Planning Report Recommendations

{{table:159977}} ### Considerations {{table:159978}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations

Officer's Report

Site

• The site of the proposed works is between two roll on – roll off bridges on the Victoria and Edward Piers in Douglas Harbour.
• The site is zoned as a Harbour in the Douglas Local Plan.

Proposed Development

• The application is proposing to create a cruise ship tender pontoon berth
• A floating pontoon berth approximately 12m long x 5m wide would be fixed in place using steel piles.
• A 32.5m long gangway will be installed to connect the pontoon berth to the quayside.

Application No.:	07/00237/B
Applicant:	Harbours Division (Capt Michael Brew)
Proposal:	Creation of a Cruise Ship tender pontoon berth
Site Address:	Douglas Harbour Bounded By North Quay South Quay Battery Pier And Victoria Pier Douglas Isle Of Man

Case Officer:	Mr Ian Brooks
Photo Taken:
Site Visit:
Expected Decision Level:	Planning Committee

Consulttee:	Highways Division
Notes:	Do not oppose

• A glazed walkway will provide access from the top of the gangway into the Sea Terminal Building.
• The proposal also involves dredging an area of approximately 1500 sq m to provide a minimum depth of 1.5m of water at all states of tide.

Planning Status And Relevant Policies

• Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Douglas Local Plan) Order 1998.

Planning History

• None of relevance to the determination of this application.

Representations

• Douglas Corporation has no objection to the proposal. The Committee does raise concerns regarding traffic management relating to the application particularly the existing of traffic into Murray’s Road. ?
• The Highways Division of the Department of Transport have no objection.
• IoM Fire and Rescue service advises the applicant to consult them on fire safety measures.

Assessment

• At present, cruise ship passengers are unable to embark or disembark from tenders at low tide.
• The applicant has stated that the existing Pier steps are unsuitable for embarking and disembarking passengers at any state of tide.
• The proposed berth would provide a safe and stable platform that would allow access at any state of tide.
• The proposed works is compatible with the existing use as a harbour.
• The proposed works will have very little impact on the visual amenities of the locality.

Recommendation

I therefore recommend that planning permission be granted subject to conditions in the attached schedule.

Party Status

The Department of Transport and the local authority are, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (c) and (d), considered "interested persons" and as such should be afforded party status.

Whilst IoM Fire and Rescue Service represents a statutory authority, the points raised in correspondence relate to Building Control matters and not planning and as such should not be afforded party status in this instance.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

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 creation of a cruise ship tender pontoon berth as shown in drawing numbers 102, 103 and 107 date stamped 7th February 2007, Statement of Case from Design Services Division of Department of Transport dated January 2007.

N 1. The applicant is advised to consult with the Fire Safety Department regarding access for fire appliances and general fire safety issues.

Decision Made : Approved Committee Meeting Date : 12/4/07