3 March 2022 · Delegated
The Arts Hub, The Chapel, Nursery Avenue, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 4hg
This application sought retrospective permission to change the use of a building at The Chapel, Nursery Avenue, Onchan to an office. The applicant was Bittylicious (Isle Of Man) Limited. The site was noted to have an area of off-road car parking to the north end rear gable, measuring approximately 11.5m by 5.2m. The application was considered against relevant planning policies. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 3 March 2022, with two conditions attached. The officer had recommended approval and no conflicts were recorded.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved this retrospective change of use application on 3 March 2022. The officer recommended approval and no conflicts were identified. The decision was made under delegated authority and two conditions were attached.
Strategic Policy 9
direct office development to existing town centres
Strategic Policy 9: All new retail development (excepting neighbourhood s hops and those instances identified in Business Policy 5) and all new office development (excepting corporate headquarters suitable for a business park (1) location) must be sited within the town and village centres on land zoned for these purposes in Area Plans, whilst taking into consideration Business Policies 7 and 8. 4.4.7 The definition of Corporate Headquarters includes offices for those companies using the new information technologies and/or who service other business park users (but specifical ly excludes financial and professional services to visiting members of the public including banks, building societies, estate agencies and betting offices). 4.5 Transport and Communications 4.5.1 There is a direct link between the location of new devel opment, its effect on the transport network and the provision of a more integrated transport network. Accordingly:
Business Policy 9
direct office development to existing town centres
Business Policy 9: The Department will support new retail provision in existing retail areas at a scale appropriate to the existing area and which will not have an adverse effect on adjacent retail areas. Major retail development proposals will require to be supported by a Retail Impact Assessment(1). (1) Retail Impact Assessment is defined in Appendix1.
General Policy 2
general standards towards acceptable development
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
Appendix 7
Condition 1
Within 1 month of this decision becoming final the rear parking area shall at all times be made available for the parking of vehicles associated with the approved use and shall be retained available for such use thereafter. Reason: To provide off-street parking in the interest of highway safety.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2019 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the building shall only be used as offices as set out in Class 2.1 of the Order at any time. Reason: The Department has assessed the impact of the proposal on the basis of the specific use and any alternative uses will require further consideration.
