24 December 2012 · Council of Ministers
Jubilee Clock, Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2sh
The proposal involved moving the 1887 Jubilee Clock, a Registered Building manufactured by Walter MacFarlane in Glasgow, from its current position at the junction of Victoria Street and Loch Promenade to a new spot 8m southeast, closer to the Jubilee Buildings, on a new granite footway.
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The main issue was the effect of re-positioning the clock on its character, setting, and features of architectural and historic interest.
General Policy 2
Permits development in accordance with land-use zoning and Area Plan proposals, subject to criteria protecting townscape character, ensuring appropriate design, road safety for pedestrians/road users, and community safety. The site is on a principal traffic route and Predominantly Office land. Assessed compliant as the relocation supports promenade improvements enhancing safety and townscape without adverse effects.
Environment Policy 35
Permits only development preserving or enhancing Conservation Area character/appearance, protecting special features. Within Promenade Conservation Area. Officer found the repositioning enhances character and appearance by better centring the clock in the street scene.
Environment Policy 32
Prohibits extensions/alterations detrimentally affecting a Registered Building's special character. Relocation deemed an alteration. Assessed as not detrimental, with preservation ensured via careful handling and conditioned detailing.
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Approved drawings
This approval relates to drawing Nos D1/104 date stamped 11 October 2012.
Base materials approval
Prior to any works commencing on the relocation of the Registered Building, details of the proposed base including all materials and finishes shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority (including the Conservation Officer). The submitted information and details should include samples of all materials as indicated on drawing D1/104. The works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.
no objection to the proposals
expressed interest; noted underground cables/overhead lines present and requested contact for working practices, safety documents, and electricity supply discussions
Manx Electricity Authority (MEA) expressed interest due to underground cables/overhead lines nearby and requested contact prior to works with specific conditions; Douglas Borough Council stated no objection to the application.
Key concern: Underground Cables/Overhead Lines present in the area
Manx Electricity Authority
Conditional No ObjectionThere are Underground Cables/Overhead Lines present in the area indicated in you Planning Application; The Authority wish to express their interest in the following planning applications, and request that a condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority; MEA requires 24 hours unrestricted access to the cables in the Public Highway and MEA will not be liable for any loss of income caused to the applicant as a result of its statutory works
Conditions requested: Applicant must contact Network Operations Department (Tel. 687687) to discuss working practices around Cables and Overhead Lines which may be required to be diverted before any work can be carried out on site; Contact the M.E.A. for Electrical Site Safety 5 documents (Tel. 687766) before any work is carried out on site; All work to be carried out with reference to Health and Safety Executive Guidance Notes HS(G)47 & GS6; MEA requires 24 hours unrestricted access to the cables in the Public Highway
Douglas Borough Council
No ObjectionDouglas Corporation have no objection to the proposals listed below; 12/01376/CON Registered Building Consent for re-location of clock (RB no196 in association with 12/01327/B), Jubilee Clock Victoria Street
The original application (12/01376/CON) sought consent to relocate the historic Jubilee Clock by 8m southeast on Victoria Street, Douglas, linked to promenade improvement works (12/01327/B). There were no explicit refusal reasons as it was determined by the Council of Ministers under special procedures, with the Planning Authority providing a neutral statement identifying policies. The appellant (Department of Infrastructure) justified the move for road safety and pedestrian improvements. The inspector assessed impacts on the clock's character, setting, and conservation area, finding the relocation preserved the building's features and enhanced its setting and street scene. Consent was recommended granted with conditions for material and base details approval.
Precedent Value
This sets precedent that minor relocations of Registered Buildings are permissible if justified by public safety benefits, preserve features, and enhance setting, but require detailed material approvals via conditions. Future applicants should provide precise construction details and evidence of townscape enhancement.
Inspector: Anthony J Wharton
