10 November 2008 · Delegated
Primrose Lodge, Slieu Lewaigue, Lewaigue, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 1bh
The proposal involved replacing the existing garage doors with two uPVC French doors on the east elevation of a structure at Primrose Lodge, a two-storey detached dwelling on the southeast of Ramsey. The site sits within an area designated as High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance, making design and visual impact the central planning considerations. The garage had previously been permitted for conversion to a beauty salon, and this application related to the physical change to the building's appearance that followed from that use. Maughold Parish Commissioners objected, arguing the property occupies a prominent position against outstanding mountain scenery and that the original garage would not have been approved had its commercial use been declared at the outset. The Highways Division also noted that, as the garage use was being removed, adequate off-street parking would need to be retained in line with the Isle of Man Strategic Plan. The officer concluded that the proposed doors would match the colour of the existing windows and be of similar size, meaning the development respected the site and surroundings in terms of scale, form, and design.
The application was approved because the replacement French doors were considered to respect the site and its sensitive landscape setting in terms of scale, form, and design. The doors were to match the colour and approximate size of the existing windows, limiting any visual impact. The proposal was found to comply with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007.
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
Isle of Man Strategic Plan
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
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the submitted drawings $1751 / 1$ and $1757 / 2$ received on 10th September, 2008.
