POR Planning Officer Report

Officer's Report

Application No.:	13/00458/B
Applicant:	Douglas Borough Council
Proposal:	Installation of a three column memorial within an existing shrub bed
Site Address:	Kaye Memorial Gardens Strathallan Crescent Douglas Isle Of Man IM2 4NR
Case Officer:	Mr A Holmes
Photo Taken:
Site Visit:
Expected Decision Level:	Officer Delegation

1.0 THE APPLICATION SITE

1.1 The application site comprises the curtilage of Kaye Memorial Gardens located at the junction of Summerhill and King Edward Road in Douglas.

2.0 THE PROPOSAL

2.1 The proposal comprises the installation of a three column memorial within an existing shrub bed within the application site. The columns, which will be made of granite or similar stone, are yet to be made but will have basic dimensions of 400mm (width), 400mm (depth) and 2000mm (height).

3.0 PLANNING HISTORY

3.1 The application site has not been the subject of any previous planning applications that are considered specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application.

4.0 PLANNING POLICY

4.1 In terms of land use designation the application site is located within a wider area of land that is designated as predominantly residential use under the Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Douglas Local Plan) Order 1998.

4.2 In terms of strategic plan policy, the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 contains one policy that is considered specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application. General Policy 2 states:

"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."

5.0 REPRESENTATIONS

5.1 To date no representations have been received.

6.0 ASSESSMENT

6.1 The proposed development is considered to be in keeping with the overall use of the application site as a memorial garden. The proposed columns would not unduly harm public amenity, private amenity, highway safety or any other obvious material planning consideration.

7.0 RECOMMENDATION

7.1 It is recommended that the planning application be approved.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 22.05.2013 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 approval relates to the location plan, site plan and column specification sheet date stamped the 15th April 2013.

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 : ....23.5.13........

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

22 May 2013 13/00458/B Page 2 of 2