3 December 2025 · Delegated
7-17, Wellington Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2as
Permission was granted for the erection of new permanent illuminated signage at 7–17 Wellington Street, Douglas, a multipurpose building adjacent to the main pedestrianised shopping street in the city centre. The building contains several independent businesses including a restaurant, retail stores, and leisure facilities. The basement area previously operated as a public bar and nightclub but has been vacant since 2020. The existing building was noted to have a somewhat tired appearance, with two existing signs on the frontage that the proposed advertisements relate to. The main planning issue assessed was highway safety. The application was approved on 3 December 2025 with two conditions attached.
The application was approved on 3 December 2025. The key planning issue considered was highway safety, and the proposal was found acceptable in that context. The decision was made under delegated authority by the Interim Director of Planning and Building Control.
General Policy 2
development will normally be permitted provided it meets the relevant criteria of (a) to (n). In this case (b) (g) (i) (m) (n) are considered most relevant relating to character of the area and highway safety.
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
General Policy 6
General Policy 6: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they: (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed; (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.
General Policy 7
the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted.
General Policy 7: Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted. 6.6.3 Within rural areas, advertisements can be disruptive features which affect adversely the appearance of the landscape and the countryside. Lighting can pollute the night sky, and may be contrary to nature conservation interests.
Condition 1
The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. Reason: To avoid the accumulation of unimplemented advertisement consents.
Condition 2
The signs hereby granted consent shall not be lit by an intermittent source. Reason: In the interests of amenity in the area.
Erection of building comprising two retail units café/bar and floors for leisure usage
of relevance
Additional use for Basement to be used for Night Club/Public House
of relevance
Additional use for Ground Floor Level to include shop, café/bar or restaurant
of relevance
Alterations to shop front, installation of new window and artwork to gable elevation and erection of advertisement sign
of relevance
Conversion of Ground Floor from Café/Bar to Disco/Nightclub
of relevance
Alterations and Installation of Pizza vending machine
of relevance
Change of use of retail unit to food and drink place
of relevance
signage
various application for signage approved at the site
signage
various application for signage approved at the site
signage
various application for signage approved at the site
signage
various application for signage approved at the site
