21 March 2022 · Committee
Ballakermeen High School, St. Catherines Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 4be
Permission was granted for the temporary erection of 150 bell tents on the grounds of Ballakermeen High School, St Catherine's Drive, Douglas, for use as camping accommodation during the TT period. The permission covers four separate TT windows between May and June across 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The school sits within a predominantly residential area of Douglas, with a large grassed sports field to the southeast of the main building. The officer's assessment focused on whether the temporary use was acceptable in principle, whether adequate traffic and parking provision could be made, and whether neighbouring residents' amenity would be protected. The application was approved with five conditions attached. There is a history of related applications at this site going back to 2013.
The application was approved by the Director of Planning and Building Control on 21 March 2022. The officer's report considered the principle of the development, traffic and parking provision, and the impact on neighbouring amenity, and found the proposal acceptable across those issues.
Strategic Policy 8
Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and manmade attractions.
Strategic Policy 8: Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and man - made attractions. 4.4.5 This policy reflects the general restriction on new development outside defined development zones. Tourist proposals in the countryside will normally be required to meet the above criteria. 4.4.6 Viable and vibrant town and village centres not only provide the opportunity for economic success, but also provide convenient and accessible amenities for all members of the community and an opportunity to obtain renewal of some of our poorer built fabric. Accordingly:
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
Transport Policy 7
The Department will require that in all new development, 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.
Condition 1
The use hereby approved shall only be undertaken on the following dates:
Condition 2
Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department, the set-up and removal of the tents shall be undertaken within the dates set out in condition 1.
Condition 3
There shall be a maximum of 150 tents pitched within the site during the approved period of operation.
Condition 4
The vehicular access onto St. Catherine's Drive at the southwest corner of the site shall be used for vehicular exit only and shall not be used for vehicular entry. There shall be no means of vehicular access directly onto Westbourne Drive to the east.
Condition 5
The parking area, as shown on the location plan, shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles in connection with the school and camping use hereby approved.
Temporary change of use from school grounds to a campsite of a maximum of 150 bell tents for the periods 27th May to 15th June 2017, 26th May to 14th June 2018, 25th May to 12th June 2019 and 30th May to 17th June 2020
temporary change of use of the school grounds in connection with the 2015 TT races