Officer Report

Application No.: 17/00201/B Applicant: Mrs Nelly Christian Proposal: Removal of a chimney Site Address: 38 Murrays Road Douglas Isle Of Man IM2 3HW Case Officer : Miss Abigail Morgan Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer’s Report

1.0 SITE - 1.1 The site represents the existing residential curtilage of 38 Murrays Road, Douglas, located on a corner plot with Murrays Road to the northeast of the site. The property is a three storey end terraced property with a brown pebble dash finish to the rear, cream smooth render to the front and slate roof tiles.

2.0 PLANNING POLICIES - 2.1 In terms of local plan policy, the application site is within an area recognised as being within predominantly residential use under the Douglas Local Plan. The site is not within a Conservation Area. - 2.2 Due to the zoning of the site and the proposed works the following policies are relevant in the determination of the application:- - 2.3 General Policy 2 states: "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:

• (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality;

3.0 PLANNING HISTORY - 3.1 There are a number of previous planning applications associated with this property; the most recent is considered relevant; 16/01136/B - Replacement of rear extension - APPROVED 16/01290/B - Removal of Rear Window - APPROVED

16/01348/LAW - Use of 38 Murrays Road, Douglas as a House in Multiple Occupation of not more than 12 households and 16 persons with shared facilities, and a self-contained flat on the ground floor - APPROVED

4.0 PROPOSAL - 4.1 The application seeks approval for the removal of a chimney, to a point below the existing roof rafters and the opening to be in filled with rafters, roofing felt, tiling battens and finished to match existing.

4.2 It is understood that the proposed works are due to the chimney stack being in poor repair with serious water ingress around the perimeter edges resulting in damp penetration problems within the building.

5.0 REPRESENTATIONS - 5.1 Highway Services - no highways implications -24.03.2017. - 5.2 Douglas Borough Council have no objections. 10.03.2017.

6.0 ASSESSMENT - 6.1 The main issues relate to the potential visual impact upon the street scene and the host dwelling. - 6.2 In respect of the visual impact of Murrays Road from visiting the site it is clear that chimneys stacks are a prominent feature which makes a significant contribution to the character and design of the terrace. The chimney stack is to the centre of the property and is not readily visible from Murrays Road. While it is visible from the rear access lane, wider/longer views of the terrace from surrounding roads are screened by existing buildings. - 6.3 Whilst the site is not within the conservation area, chimney stacks can be an important feature of the roof lines of our towns and villages which contribute to the character of the street scene. However due to its location it is considered that the removal of the chimney would have little significant impact upon the character or quality of the individual property or the visual amenities of the street scene. As such it is considered the proposal would comply with General Policy 2 (c) and (g).

7.0 RECOMMENDATION - 7.1 It is recommended that the application be approved.

8.0 PARTY STATUS - 8.1 By virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No 2) Order 2013 as modified by the Transfer of Planning and Building Control Functions Order 2015, the following persons are automatically interested persons:

• (a) The applicant, or if there is one, the applicant's agent;
• (b) The owner and the occupier of any land that is the subject of the application or any other person in whose interest the land becomes vested;
• (c) Any Government Department that has made written submissions relating to planning considerations with respect to the application that the Department considers material;
• (d) The Highways Division of the Department; and
• (e) The local authority in whose district the land the subject of the application is situated.

With effect from 1 June 2015, the Transfer of Planning & Building Control Functions Order 2015 amends the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 to give effect to the meaning of the word 'Department' to be the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture unless otherwise directed by that Order.

Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 21.04.2017 Conditions and Notes for Approval: C : Conditions for approval

N : Notes attached to conditions

C 1. The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.

Reason: To comply with article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.

This approval relates to the Location Plan and Elevational Photographs all date stamped received 21 February 2017.

I can confirm that this decision has been made by a Senior Planning Officer in accordance with the authority afforded to that Officer by the appropriate DEFA Delegation.

Decision Made : Permitted Date: 25.04.2017 Determining officer

Signed : S CORLETT Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

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