Planning Statement

Planning statement on behalf of the Planning Authority in respect of the erection of four non illuminated advertising signs at Sea Terminal, Victoria Pier, Douglas.

1 Introduction

1.1 The applicant has submitted the planning application in their capacity as tenant of the application site. The application site is in the ownership of the Department of Infrastructure. This planning statement sets out the background of the planning application and relevant planning policy considerations. The intention of the statement is to define the application site, highlight any previous planning applications and identify relevant planning policy.

2 Application Site

2.1 The application site is the curtilage of Sea Terminal, Victoria Pier, Douglas.

3 The Application

3.1 The planning application seeks approval for the erection of four advertising signs on the external façade of the building. One sign would be erected on the north elevation, one on the south elevation and two signs on the front elevation. Each sign would measure 2600mm in length x 900mm in height. The background of the signs would be red with white aluminium lettering, they would be non illuminated.

4 Planning History

4.1 The application site has not been the subject of any previous planning applications that are considered to be specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application.

5 Planning Policy

5.1 The application site is zoned as "Harbour Related Use" identified on the Douglas Local Plan 1998. To the south west of the application site is an area zoned as "Predominantly Offices" there are also an area of offices to the west.

5.2 To the north east of the application site is a public car parking area and is zoned as a "Principle Car Park" identified on the Douglas Local Plan 1998.

5.3 The application site is also in the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area. Given the nature of the application it is appropriate to consider Environment Policy 37 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007). The policy states that:-

"As a general policy, advertisements within Conservation Areas will be permitted only if:

i) The proposal preserves or enhances the Conservation Area; ii) The signage is in a style appropriate to the character of the area; iii) Traditional materials and finishes are used and glossy and highly reflective materials are excluded from proposals; and iv) Internally illuminated box fascia and projecting box signs are excluded from the proposals."

5.4 General Policy 6 relates to the erection of advertisements. The policy states:-

"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."

6 Assessment

6.1 The proposed signage is considered to be of a high standard of design and use of materials.

6.2 There are a number of signs and advertisements on or in the vicinity of the Sea Terminal building; it is considered that the addition of these signs would not detract from the surrounding area.

6.3 It is judged that the signage would not cause a highway safety hazard.

6.4 With the use of high quality materials and a high standard of design it is considered that the proposed development would not have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area or the locality in general.

This Statement has been prepared by Miss Laura Davy on behalf of the Planning Authority.

Signed ___________________________ Date 22/07/11