17 August 2010 · Director of Planning and Building Control (delegated under Article 3(13) of the Town and Country (Development Procedure) Order 2005)
The Courtyard Shops, 6, Arbory Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1lj
The proposal sought to change an existing 30 sq.m single-storey commercial unit previously used as an estate agent into a betting shop, with no building alterations but window displays showing odds and events.
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The officer assessed the proposal against policies directing commercial uses to town centres but requiring Conservation Area development to preserve or enhance character (EP 35).
Environment Policy 35
Requires development to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area and protect special features. Officer found the betting shop's blank frontage would fail this test in a prominent location.
Business Policy 1
Ground floors normally inappropriate for office development unless adding interest to frontage and vitality. Betting shop (Class 2) frontage not shown to meet this.
Retail Policy 1
Presumption in favour of retaining retail units in mixed-use areas to protect vitality. Change to non-retail betting shop opposed.
Do not oppose has no traffic management, parking or road safety implication
Multiple public objections to planning application 10/00932/C for a betting shop at 6 Arbory Street, Castletown, citing impacts on street vitality, children, historic character, and amenity; Highways has no objection.
Key concern: Blank non-retail frontage deadening streetscape and vitality in conservation area
Highway Services Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose has no traffic management, parking or road safety implication
Julia Coué
ObjectionThe proposed Betting Shop will be yet another Blank Space (none retail window) along Arbory Street.; I have managed to collect a petition against the proposed Betting Shop containing 131 signatures
Mr and Mrs K.P. Weir
Objectionplease don't make it two, it would ruin one of are main shopping streets.; we should continue to be without one.
Helen Leigh
Objectionthe window is covered over with some graphics whereby the general public can not see into the premises (probably required by law?)
Cumana Limited (Amanda Macnair)
ObjectionTo create a blind spot in the retail frontages at this point will affect both the vitality and the viability of all the shops
Castletown Heritage (Howard Scarffe)
Objectionthe addition of a Betting Shop with "closed windows" would spoil the appearance of Arbory Street an important part of the conservation area.
Simone Harrington-Palmer
ObjectionThe proposed use of "Betting Shop" is totally inappropriate in this area
The original application for change of use from existing estate agents to a betting shop was refused on 16/08/2010 or 17/08/2010 by the Planning Committee/Director. Appellant Bet A Bet Ltd, via agent Cornerstone Architects, lodged appeal AP10/0122 around 23-26/08/2010, triggering a process for an independent inspector with potential written representations and public inquiry. The Department was requested to submit a full statement of case by 04/10/2010. Before any hearing or determination, the appellant's agent requested withdrawal around 29/09/2010-04/10/2010, confirmed by Chief Secretary's Office on 04/10/2010, leaving the original refusal standing. Appellant indicated intention to pursue a new application at Callows Yard.
Precedent Value
No precedent set as appeal was withdrawn before inspector determination. Applicants should ensure appeal viability before lodging, as withdrawal leaves original refusal standing and may signal intent for alternative site/application.
