Alterations, retention of uPVC casement windows to front and external access and stairs to rear elevation
3 January 2008 · Delegated
14, Mona Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2qd
This application sought retrospective permission to retain a uPVC front door and its surrounding frame at 14 Mona Street, Douglas, a three-storey dwellinghouse on the northern side of Mona Street within the Windsor Road Conservation Area. The application was refused on 3 January 2008. The central planning issue was whether keeping the uPVC door and frame in place would preserve or enhance the conservation area. Officers concluded it would not, finding that the installation had removed a unifying element from the streetscene and was harmful to the visual character of the area. The decision was made by the Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority, and the officer's recommendation was also to refuse.
The application was refused because retaining the uPVC front door and surrounding frame was found to harm the character and appearance of the Windsor Road Conservation Area. It was judged to remove a unifying element from the streetscene, to the detriment of the visual amenities of the locality.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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 35
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Policy CA/2 (Conservation Areas)
Planning Policy Statement 1/01
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
Alterations, retention of uPVC casement windows to front and external access and stairs to rear elevation
Retention of uPVC windows to front elevation
(a) Installation of uPVC sliding sash windows to replace existing on front elevation