3 November 2012 · Council of Ministers (accepted recommendation of appointed Inspector Anthony J Wharton)
Coach Park, Mines Road, Laxey, Isle Of Man, IM4 7ny
The proposal involves redeveloping an existing coach parking area in central Laxey, part of the public highway between the Laxey Wheel and the village centre/Manx Electric Railway station. It includes removing old surfacing, creating three coach parking bays with manoeuvring/drop-off space, a raised pedestrian waiting …
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The inspector identified main considerations as effect on Laxey Conservation Area character/appearance and road traffic/pedestrian safety.
Transport Policy 3
Requires new development not to compromise rail routes as tourism/public transport facilities and ensures highways safely accommodate generated traffic with suitable pedestrian provision (para 11.3.1). Inspector assessed proposal improves Laxey as tourism facility, safely handles coach traffic/pedestrians without adverse effects.
Transport Policy 4
Requires highways to safely accommodate vehicle/pedestrian journeys from new development per environmental objectives. Proposal found capable of safe accommodation without detriment to IOMSP objectives.
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Approved plans
This permission relates to redevelopment of existing coach park including creation of three coach parking bays, manoeuvring/drop off area, waiting area, paving, seating and lighting, Coach Park, Mines Road, Laxey, as shown by P01, P02, P03, P04, and P05 all received 30 July 2012.
Proposal offers improved manoeuvring for coaches, safer drop-off, high quality materials; Highways Division assessed as acceptable.
This application meets relevant highway policies and standards.
In agreement with the scheme but suggest views from bus operators could assist.
Highways Division confirms the application meets highway policies and standards with no objections. Manx Electricity Authority notes underground cables/overhead lines are present and requests contact before works. Laxey Village Commissioners unable to decide and request comments from Bus Vannin and Tours Isle of Man but approve in principle.
Key concern: Underground Cables/Overhead Lines present in the area
Highways Division
No ObjectionThis application meets relevant highway policies and standards
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
Conditions requested: condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority; Please contact our Network Operations Department, Manx Electricity Authority, (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
Laxey Village Commissioners
No Commentthe Board were unable to make a decision at this meeting; The Board requests that Bus Vannin and Tours Isle of Man are invited to comment on this application in order that the Board can get a clearer oversight; they approve in principle of the decision to modernise and improve this coach parking facility
The application by the Department of Community Culture and Leisure for redevelopment of the coach park at Mines Road, Laxey, was referred to the Council of Ministers for determination. It formed part of the Laxey Village Regeneration Scheme under the Chief Minister’s initiative. The inspector assessed impacts on the Laxey Conservation Area character and highway/pedestrian safety, finding the proposal would enhance the area's appearance with high-quality materials and improve safety through defined coach areas and pedestrian facilities. The scheme aligned with IOMSP Transport Policies TP3 and TP4, supported by the Highways Division and Laxey Regeneration Committee. Planning approval was recommended and granted subject to conditions.
Precedent Value
This appeal sets precedent that public highway sites in conservation areas can be redeveloped for tourism infrastructure if enhancing character, improving safety, and supported by local stakeholders and highways authority. Future applicants should prioritise regeneration scheme integration and policy compliance for transport/pedestrian safety.
Inspector: Anthony J Wharton BArch RIBA RIAS MMRTPI
