16 December 2025 · Delegated
9, The Net Loft, East Quay, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1ar
The application sought to replace an existing glazed bi-folding sliding door and a window on the south and east elevations of a fourth-floor apartment at The Net Loft, East Quay, Peel. The site sits within a Conservation Area and a Flood Risk Zone, and is zoned as Mixed Use under the Peel Local Plan 1989. The key planning test was whether the works would preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, as required by Section 18(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act (1999) and Environment Policy 35 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016. The officer found that public views of the door and window are very limited, largely confined to occupants of the apartment and distant views from places such as the grounds of St Peters Cathedral. The replacement door was considered a more traditional feature and more in keeping with the Conservation Area than the existing bi-folding sliding door, while the replacement window would appear almost identical to the existing one from any public viewpoint. On that basis, the works were judged not to harm the Conservation Area.
The replacement door and window were approved because their form, mass, and design are acceptable and preserve the character of the Conservation Area. Public views of the affected elevations are very limited, and the proposed door is arguably more traditional and in keeping than the existing bi-folding sliding door it replaces. The proposal complies with Section 18(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act (1999) and Environment Policy 35 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
Town and Country Planning Act (1999)
preserves the overall Conservation Area
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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 approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
