Officer Report 12/00902/B

Case Officer: Miss Laura Davy Photo Taken: 17.07.2012 Site Visit: 17.07.2012 Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

Introduction

1. This application seeks permission for the alterations to primary school. The application is considered to be acceptable and is in accordance with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of Peel Clothworkers School, Derby Road, Peel which is an infant's school. The application site is situated to the northern side of Derby Road.

1. The school building is single storey with a parking area to the front and playground area to the rear. The building which is the subject of this application is sited to the north west of the main school building. This building runs parallel to the boundary with Mountain View estate, there is mature hedging on this boundary which provides sufficient screening between the school and the houses on Mountain View.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks approval for the creation of a covered and secure play area; this would be covered by a polycarbonate roof on lattice tubular arch. The frame would be constructed of blue powder coated polyester. A blue polyester bow top fence 1.2m in height would secure the play area.

1. Also proposed is the installation of two sets of double doors into the covered play area. Also included is the erection of an expandastore shed adjacent to the building.

Planning History

1. The previous planning applications are not considered specifically material in the assessment of the current application.

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is in an area zoned as "School" identified on the Peel Local Plan 1989. It is appropriate to consider General Policy 2 and Community Policy 5 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007).

Application No.:	12/00902/B
Applicant:	Department Of Education & Children Works Division
Proposal:	Alterations including creation of a covered play area and replacing two existing windows with two double doors
Site Address:	Infants School
Peel Clothworkers School
Derby Road
Peel
Isle Of Man
IM5 1HP

1. General Policy 2

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:

a) Is in accordance with the design in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; b) Respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; c) Does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; d) Does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; e) Does not affect adversely public views of the sea; f) Incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features particularly trees and sod banks; g) Does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; h) Provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; i) Does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; j) Can be provided with all necessary services; k) Does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; l) Is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; m) Takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and n) Is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption.

1. Community Policy 5

Permission will generally be given for proposals to improve or extend existing schools and institutions of higher education and to build new schools, subject to their being sited and designed in accordance with the other policies of this Plan, having particular regard to the potential for community use of the buildings and the associated Open Space.

CONSULTATIONS

1. No comments have been received.

ASSESSMENT

1. The proposed works are on the building adjacent to the boundary shared with the Mountain View estate. This building is not readily visible from the main public thoroughfares.

1. The proposed alterations to the rear of the building are fairly minor and would not increase the height of the structure. The creation of a covered play area would result in a roof being built up to the boundary shared with Mountain View. The proposed development would be screened by the existing hedging and therefore would not result in the undue increase in overlooking or loss of privacy of those on Mountain View.

1. The proposed development would provide a covered external play area which would be well screened from the main public thoroughfares. Given that the proposed development would be well screened it is considered that it would not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the street scene.

1. For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval.

PARTY STATUS

1. The local authority, Peel Commissioners is, 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: 27.07.2012

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 development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This permission relates to the creation of a covered play area and replacing two windows with two double doors as shown in drawings 075_02_100, 075_02_200, 075_02_250, 075_02_300, 075_02_310, 075_02_600 and 075_02_610 received 22nd June 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: 31/7/12

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed: _________________________ Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer

Signed: _________________________ Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control

Signed: _________________________ Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

Signed: _________________________ Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager