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Application No.: 08/01038/B Applicant: JCP Consulting Ltd Proposal: Alterations and conversion of first floor from residential to office use to create ancillary accommodation on the second floor Site Address: 4 Albert Street Douglas Isle Of Man IM1 2QA ### Considerations Case Officer: Mr Richard Wilshaw Photo Taken: Site Visit: Expected Decision Level: Delegation ### Written Representations ### Consultations Consulttee: Highways Division Notes: Do not oppose Consulttee: Douglas Corporation Notes: 12.09.08 - No Objection No objection Consulttee: IOM Water Authority Notes: Note recieved Consulttee: Chief Fire Officer Notes:** Note received
THE SITE The application site represents the curtilage of 4 Albert Street, Douglas. The property is a 3 storey terraced property with office space on the ground floor and residential on the 1st and 2nd floors.
PLANNING STATUS The site is located within an area identified as Mixed Use (Residential and Offices) by the Douglas Local Plan 1998. The site is also identified as being within the Windsor Road Conservation Area. Within the adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, the following polices are considered relevant in the determination of this application: General Policy 2, Housing Policy 17 and Business Policy 7.
The following planning applications are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application:
05/00152/C - Change of use of residential ground floor to create office accommodation - Permitted 29th April 2005
Douglas Corporation have indicated no objection to this application. Department of Transport Highways Division have indicated no objection to this application. The Isle of Man Water Authority have issued a note relating to water supply. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer has issued a note relating to fire precaution regulations.
We have received no privately written representations in relation to this application.
The application seeks approval for the alterations and conversion from office accommodation to residential on the first floor to create a property with office accommodation on the ground and first floor and residential on the second floor.
The proposed use is compatible since the area is zoned as Mixed Use (Office/Residential) in the Douglas Local Plan 1998 and is viewed as appropriate for the area. The change of use would not affect the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
With regard to the Housing Policy 17 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 the proposed residential amenity on the 2nd floor is very poor. The proposed lounge is small and only has a rear aspect, there is no kitchen area, only one small en-suite bathroom and the bedroom only has light from two roof lights. The existing residential accommodation is well proportioned in size with generous rooms and fits comfortably within the property. The proposal results in a very large reduction in space and overall represents a very poor residential amenity. However, the residential space is only ancillary to the business that currently operates from there. The company often has employees from their other offices based outside the Isle of Man and the residential space will be used solely by them when they are visiting the Island. This usage is reflected in Condition 3.
Overall, it is judged that the residential amenity created on the 2nd floor is poor but is sufficient and suitable for the needs of the current owners/occupiers. The alterations and conversion will not have a significant adverse impact on the property, the surrounding properties or the Conservation Area.
The notes suggested by the Isle of Man Water Authority and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer are not material planning considerations and for that reason are not attached to the report, as part of the recommendation.
It is recommended that the application be permitted.
It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded interested party status:
Douglas Corporation Department of Transport Highways Division
Accordingly, the following are not awarded Party Status
The Isle of Man Water Authority The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer
Recommended Decision: Permitted
Date of Recommendation: 18.09.2008
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 alterations and conversion of residential to office accommodation as shown in drawings and information 01038/1, GMcQ 01, GMcQ 02 and GMcQ 03 submitted and date stamped 22nd May 2008.
C 3. The residential accommodation shall only be used as ancillary accommodation to the office use.
I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control)
Decision Made : Permitted Date :
Signed : M. I. McCauley
Director of Planning and Building Control
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