20 August 2014 · Planning Committee
12, Malew Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1ab
The application sought permission to convert the ground floor of a three-storey mid-terraced property in Castletown's town centre from a vacant retail unit to a dental surgery with three surgeries, reception, and staff areas, plus a single-storey rear extension of just under 15m long, full site width, under 3m high wit…
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The officer assessed the proposal positively, concluding it accorded with relevant policies as the rear extension would not be visible from Malew Street or Castle Street due to screening by Castle Rus…
Mixed Use Proposal 1
Presumption in favour of retaining ground floor retail in Mixed Use areas of Castletown to maintain vitality, but each case determined on merits. Officer found dental surgery (sui generis) acceptable as it would generate similar footfall to retail, bring vacant unit back into use, enhance street scene vitality, and provide needed local service in town centre with public transport access.
General Policy 2
Permits development in accordance with Area Plan if it respects site/surroundings in scale/form/design, does not harm townscape character/amenity, provides adequate parking without unacceptable highway impact, and preserves Conservation Area features. Officer found compliant except Committee disagreed on flat roof harming townscape/character (b,c,g,h,i).
Environment Policy 35
Within Conservation Areas, only development preserving or enhancing character/appearance permitted, protecting special features. Officer deemed extension acceptable as rear-located, invisible from streets, minimal impact; Committee found flat roof 'unattractive and incongruous' harmful to Area and Castle views.
new retail provision at a scale appropriate. Major retail development proposals to be supported by Retail Impact Assessment
Supports new retail in existing areas at appropriate scale without adverse effects. Officer noted proposal not major retail, no Retail Impact Assessment needed, and surgery enhances vitality without harming adjacent retail.
Business Policy 10
Retail permitted only in town centres except specified cases. Officer confirmed site in established Castletown town centre, surgery compatible as town centre use.
no objection to the current planning application
Highway Services recommended refusal due to inadequate parking provision for staff and patients relative to IOM Strategic Plan standards, while Castletown Town Commissioners raised no objection, and Manx National Heritage suggested a minor roof design change but did not formally object.
Key concern: does not meet IOM Strategic Plan parking standards (3 spaces per consulting room plus staff parking)
Highway Services
Objectionhighways would recommend refusal as this proposal does not meet the required standards as stated in the IOM Strategic Plan; In accordance with the IOM Strategic Plan 3 spaces per consulting room, plus staff parking should be provided; Additional information required on the parking arrangements for staff and patients
Castletown Town Commissioners
No Objectionno objections raised
Manx National Heritage
No Commentthere might be some benefit in requiring a single pitch slated roof rather than the proposed flat fibreglass, but you may feel that's a marginal call
