25 August 2020 · Planning Committee
Bus Shelter, The Parade, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1lg
The proposal involved replacing two existing bus shelters on opposite sides of The Parade in Castletown town centre with new, slightly smaller shelters (3m x 1.25m, black frame, yellow seats, toughened glass) and extending the footpath by up to 1.5m with matching granite and Tegula paving to allow buses to pull paralle…
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The officer assessed that the proposed generic-style shelters (black frame, yellow seats, lacking the decorative details of existing ones) and their prominent locations, particularly the relocated nor…
Environment Policy 35
Requires development within Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance character/appearance. Officer found proposed generic shelters and projecting paved areas fail this test, causing detriment to Castletown's most historic setting surrounded by Registered Buildings, with no enhancement and negative visual impact.
General Policy 2
Requires development not to adversely affect townscape character (c), amenity of residents/locality (g,k), road safety/traffic flows (h,i), or community safety (m). Failed due to Conservation Area harm, residential disturbance from relocated shelter, and unresolved highway conflicts at car park.
Transport Policy 6 - Equal weight for vehicles and pedestrians
Requires equal priority to pedestrian safety with vehicular traffic, encouraging works for buses/pedestrians. Despite accessibility benefits, new position still causes conflicts with car park access/egress for motorists/pedestrians.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Policy CA/2 (Conservation Areas)
Protects Conservation Area character. Cited in refusal for failure to preserve/enhance due to shelter design/location.
TM/09 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01
Relates to street furniture in Conservation Areas. Generic modern shelters not sympathetic to historic Parade Square.
Conservation Area Policy 4 (PPS 1/01)
Conservation Area policy. Failed as proposals harm setting of Registered Buildings.
do not object to the application
The Principal Registered Buildings Officer recommends refusal due to harmful impact on the setting of registered buildings and Castletown Conservation Area character. Castletown Commissioners object on heritage and operational grounds; Manx Utilities initially objected but withdrew after discussions.
Key concern: harm to the setting of registered buildings and character of Castletown Conservation Area
Principal Registered Buildings Officer
ObjectionRecommendation: Refuse; The proposals will undoubtedly result in a negative visual impact upon the square; I do not consider the application to be in accordance with the above legislative or policy context and therefore recommend the application is refused
Castletown Commissioners
Objectionmy Board OBJECT to the proposed application; the proposal is entirely unsympathetic and inappropriate for the historic Parade Square
Manx Utilities Authority
No ObjectionMU now wish to remove it’s objection to this application
Conditions requested: contact Cable Engineer to discuss working practices around underground cables which may be required to be diverted; contact Manx Utilities for Electrical Site Safety 5 documents before any work; all work to be carried out with reference to Health and Safety Executive Guidance Notes HS(G)47 & GS6
The original application for alterations to existing bus stops to enhance mobility access was refused by the Planning Committee for reasons including harm to the Castletown Conservation Area, adverse impact on residential amenity at Nos 1-3 The Parade, and highway safety concerns near Chapel Street Car Park. The appellant argued the changes were essential for Equality Act compliance, public safety, and minimal visual impact with revised plans retaining existing shelters where needed. The Planning Authority, Castletown Commissioners, and Registered Buildings Officer opposed, citing heritage harm, inadequate consultation, and better alternatives. Inspector Michael Hurley found safety benefits outweighed heritage concerns if the southbound shelter remained in place, recommended approval with conditions, dated 4 December 2020.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates inspectors prioritise accessibility/safety benefits in conservation areas if harm mitigated by conditions and matching materials. Future applicants should provide accident data, explore alternatives, and propose conditional revisions early.
Inspector: Michael Hurley BA DipTP
