The site is the curtilage of the former Ramsey Art Gallery, now a children's clothing shop, situated on Market Hill between a coffee shop and a hairdresser's, opposite Allom's the jewellery shop which has recently been rebuilt. The existing shopfront is a timber structure with a low masonry wall with large square lights above and two smaller ones alongside the entrance with a recessed shop door. The shop windows have a plywood board above them with a sign in the centre however, it is understood that this was not original and that the glazing continues upward underneath the board to the height of the coffee shop windows alongside. Above the board is an angled cornice.
Alongside the two main shop windows is a smaller shop window with currently the same height but the board above is smaller than that on the windows alongside, and a larger area of timber above.
The Proposal
Proposed is the removal of the board and either the restoration of the windows beneath or, if they are found to be of poor quality, the windows will be replaced to match the existing full length windows. The board above the smaller window alongside will be removed and a less tall window revealed and either renovated or replaced in line with the windows alongside.
Planning Policy And Status
The site lies within an area of Town Centre Mixed Use on the Ramsey Local Plan of 1999. The site also lies within Ramsey's Conservation Area.
As such, the provisions of Environment Policy 35 are applicable in this case, which state:
"Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development."
The site is also within an area in which there is a risk of 1:200 year flooding.
Planning History
Planning permission was sought and granted for a replacement shop front under PA 96/0784. Permission was recently refused for the installation of replacement windows under PA 10/0453, the replacement windows being casements to replace sliding sash which was not considered sympathetic to the character of the Conservation Area.
Representations
Ramsey Town Commissioners indicate that they do not oppose the application.
Assessment
The works would appear to restore the original glazing form of the property which is within a Conservation Area, and as such the works would be in sympathy with the spirit of the Conservation and Planning policies applicable to the site. The applicant's efforts to upgrade the property should be encouraged and as such the application is recommended for approval.
Party Status
The local authority, Ramsey Town Commissioners are, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status.
Recommendation
Recommended Decision: Permitted
Date of Recommendation: 02.03.2012
Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal
C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal
: Notes attached to refusals
C 1. The use must be taken up within four years of the date of this notice in order for this approval to remain valid after that time.
C 2. This permission relates to the renovation or replacement of the existing windows as shown in drawings and illustrations received on 31st January, 2012.
I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Development Control Manager/ Senior Planning Officer.
Decision Made : Permitted Date : 2/3/12
Determining officer (delete as appropriate)
Signed : _________________________ Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer
Signed : _________________________ Signed : _________________________ Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer
Signed : _________________________
Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Jennifer Chance
Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Jennifer Chance
Development Control Manager
2 March 2012
Development Control Manager
2 March 2012
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