17 September 2008 · Delegated
11, Farmhill Mews, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 2ej
This application sought permission to erect garden fencing at 11 Farmhill Mews, an end-of-terrace dwelling in Block B of Farmhill Mews, Douglas. The site is only partially screened from Cushag Road by large trees, and the existing boundary treatment consists of a low fence similar to those of neighbouring properties, alongside sod banks and planted trees or bushes. The application was refused on 17 September 2008 under delegated authority. The officer's report identified two main concerns: the visual impact of the proposed fencing and the wider implications of fencing off the application site in this setting.
The application was refused on 17 September 2008. The officer recommended refusal, and the decision was made under delegated authority. The key planning concerns were the visual impact of the proposed fencing and the implications of fencing off the site, which is only partially screened from Cushag Road.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
The proposed fencing would be prominent within the locality and fails to respect the appearance of existing properties within the surrounding area. As such the erection of the fencing would adversely affect the character of the surrounding area and would be contrary to the provisions of General Policy 2 of the 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
