Officer Planning Report Recommendation

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:450929}} ### Considerations {{table:450926}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations {{table:450927}} {{table:450928}}

Officer's Report

The Site

The application site comprises the curtilage of 6 Arbory Street in Castletown.

The Proposal

Proposed is the installation of a satellite dish. The dish would be located above the roof of number 10 Arbory Street, alongside the gable of number 12.

Planning History

There are no previous planning applications which are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application.

Development Plan Policies

In terms of local plan policy, the application site is located within an area designated as "Mixed Use" in the Castletown Local Plan Order 1990. The site is located within Castletown Conservation Area.

The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 contains policies which are considered material to the assessment of this current planning application;

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 brief 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."

Environment Policy 35; Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development.

Representations

No written representations have been received in response to this application.

Assessment

As the site lies within Castletown's Conservation Area, there is a requirement to preserve or enhance the appearance and character of the area, under the provisions of Environment Policy 35. In this case, the satellite dish would neither preserve nor enhance the appearance of the area, but it is a common modern feature within various Conservation Areas in the Island, including Castletown's.

The dish would be to the rear of the property and not visible from the public highway. It would be possible to see the dish from the open courtyard area within Callow's Yard development, from where it would be viewed attached to a gable wall and adjacent to an existing dish, so it would not appear as something unexpected or unacceptable, despite not enhancing the appearance or character of the property. As such, the proposal is considered to be unobjectionable.

Recommendation

For the above reasons, this application is deemed to be acceptable and is recommended for approval.

Party Status

No written representations have been received in response to this application.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 02.08.2010

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval <br> N : Notes attached to conditions <br> R : Reasons for refusal <br> 0 : 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 approval relates to the installation of a satellite dish, as shown in the ground plan and 4 pages of photographs, labelled Page 4 of 16, Page 12 of 16, Page 13 of 16 and Page 16 of 16, all date stamped 21st June 2010; in addition to information in a letter from the applicant, date stamped 23rd July 2010.

I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer.

Decision Made : Permitted Date : Signed : Senior Planning Officer