2 March 2009 · Committee
Isle Of Man Post Office, Castletown Post Office, The Parade, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1lg
This application sought permission to install air conditioning units and a condenser, erect a steel hand railing, and raise a boundary wall at the Manx Co-op on The Parade in Castletown. The works were associated with a linked listed building consent application. The application was refused by committee on 2 March 2009. The officer recommended refusal on the basis that the proposed works would have a detrimental impact on the character of the Registered Building and the Conservation Area in which it sits.
The application was refused by committee on 2 March 2009. The officer also recommended refusal. The key planning concern was that the proposed works — including air conditioning units, a steel hand railing, and a raised boundary wall — would have a detrimental impact on the character of the listed building and the surrounding Conservation Area.
development within a Conservation Area preserved or enhances the Area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character or appearance will not be permitted
Environment Policy 32: Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted. 7.27 Change of Use of Registered Buildings 7.27.1The best use for a Registered Building is usually the use for which the building was designed. However, it is recognised that it is often necessary to look for a new use to secure the economic future of the b uilding. It is important therefore that any new use is appropriate and that physical alterations are sensitive to its character. (1) Curtilage is defined in Appendix 1
SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS of Conservation Areas
considered with particular regard
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
considered with particular regard
POLICY RB/5 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Registered building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals. Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence.