Loading document...
The application site represents the curtilage of 11 Farmhill Mews, Douglas. The property is an end of terrace dwelling in Block B of Farmhill Mews. The dwelling is located adjacent to a public footpath which is which runs the length of Farmhill Mews adjacent to Cushag Road. The site is only partially screened from Cushag Road by a number of large trees.
The site is located within an area identified as Predominantly Residential by the Douglas Local Plan 1998. The site is not within a Conservation Area. General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 states:
"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:
There have been no previous planning applications considered relevant to the assessment of this application.
Douglas Corporation have indicated no objection to this planning application. The Department of Transport Highways Division have indicated no objection to this planning application.
We have received no privately written representations in relation to this application.
The application seeks approval for the erection of a fence surrounding the dwelling's garden. The fence is to be 1.8 m high and erected to ensure the garden is a more safe and private environment.
The two main issues to consider in assessing the proposal are the visual impact of the fencing and the implications of fencing off the application site. 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.
It is understandable that the applicants want to try and make their property a more private and safe environment, however, the proposed fence is very high at 1.8 m and borders a public footpath. The existing boundary treatment is a low fence which is similar to that of other properties in the area which also includes other boundary treatments in the form of sod banks and planted trees/bushes.
It is judged that the proposed fencing would be contrary to General Policy 2 in that the erection of the fencing of this height on the boundary would create a prominent and incongruous addition to the property which will look out of place within the locality and will have an adverse impact on the visual amenities of the area in general.
It is recommended that the application be refused.
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
Recommended Decision: Refused
Date of Recommendation: 11.09.2008
C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal
R 1. The proposed fencing would be contrary to General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 in that fencing of this height would create a prominent and incongruous addition to the property which will look out of place within the locality and will have an adverse impact on the visual amenities of the area.
I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control)
Decision Made : Refused Date : Signed : M. I. McCauley
Director of Planning and Building Control
Copyright in submitted documents remains with their authors. Request removal
