11 February 2026 · Delegated
19, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2qg
The application proposed erecting a stairwell extension to the rear elevation of the existing office building at 19 Mount Havelock, Douglas, and changing its use. The ground and first floors would become a dental surgery, while the second and third floors would be converted into two residential apartments. The site is a three-storey terraced building on a corner plot at the junction of Mount Havelock and Christian Road, with a single off-street parking space to the rear accessed via a shared lane. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 11 February 2026 under delegated powers. The officer's assessment considered the principle of the development, its impact on residential amenity, its effect on the character and appearance of the area, and transport and highway safety. Three conditions were attached to the permission.
The application was approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 11 February 2026. The key planning issues considered were the principle of the mixed-use development, its effect on neighbouring residential amenity, its impact on the character of the area, and highway safety. The officer recommended approval and the decision was made on a delegated basis, with three conditions attached.
General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
The proposed change of use and works are acceptable such that the planning application is in accordance with General Policy 2
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
Environment Policy 35
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.
Housing Policy 17
Housing Policy 17: The conversion of buildings into flats will generally be permitted in residential areas provided that: (a) adequate space can be provided for clothes -drying, refuse storage, general amenity, and, if practical, car-parking; (b) the flats created will have a pleasant clear outlook, particularly from the principal rooms and (c) if possible, this involves the creation of parking on site or as part of an overall traffic management strategy for the area. 8.13.4 In recent years, interest has grown in the development of residential dwellings from redundant commercial space, primarily above shops. In the United Kingdom, inspira tion for such development came from the LOTS initiative (Living Over The Shop) started in 1989 and the FOS programme (Flats Over the Shop), set up in 1991. The Department generally supports the conversion of redundant storage space above shops (which are often outside of residential areas), into residential development unless the occupants would suffer adverse noise, general disturbance or loss of residential amenity from other land uses. 8.14 Loss of Housing 8.14.1 In the current housing situation, the Department is concerned to ensure that there is no unwarranted loss of existing housing which is fit for habitation or could be made so at reasonable cost.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The development shall be carried out in accordance with the materials as shown on approved drawing (05)-001
Condition 3
The development shall not be occupied or operated until the secure and covered bicycle and bin stores have been provided in accordance with the approved plans. The secure and covered stores shall be retained at all times thereafter.
