Officer Report 09/00019/B

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:79746}} {{table:79747}} {{table:79748}} ### Considerations ### Written Representations ### Consultations

Officer's Report

The Site

The application site represents the curtilage of the 1st Floor of Old Court House on Athol Street in Douglas. This Registered building (167) is located onto Athol Street and borders Church Street to the south west (side elevation), Nelson Street to the south east (rear elevation) and adjacent to Shaws Brow Car Park to the west.

The Proposal

The planning application seeks approval for the removal of two glazed panels to the rear of the first floor, to replace them with two louvres. They would be 1.3m x 1m and be a black colour similar to the existing grilles on the south east (side) elevation.

Planning Status

The application site is located within the Douglas (Athol Street / Victoria Street) Conservation Area and zoned as an area of "Predominantly Offices" under the Douglas Central Local Plan, which was adopted by Tynwald in 1998. The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 contains one policy which 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."

Environment Policy 35 is considered relevant to this proposal;

"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".

Planning History

The following planning application is considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: Case – PA 98/00365/GB Redevelopment and extension to create office accommodation - Permitted Case – PA 08/01035/C Change of use of part of first floor from approved office accommodation to licensed premises - Permitted

Representations

The Department of Transport Highways Division have not commented on the proposal.

Douglas Corporation has no objection with the proposal.

Assessment

After a visit to the site and after consultation with the Conservation Officer, the proposed alterations would have a minimal impact on this Registered Building. The proposal would be acceptable as it is considered that it will respect the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, scale and design. The proposed ventilation grilles would be is located on the first floor of the rear elevation which is regarded as not being a principle elevation which would have an adverse impact of the existing

building. The scale and quality of the louvres are considered to be of a good standard similar to the existing grilles.

Recommendation

For these reasons the proposal is considered acceptable and it is recommended that the planning application be permitted.

Party Status

It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded Interested Party Status:

• The Department of Transport Highways Division
• Douglas Corporation

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 13.02.2009

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 submitted drawings 00019/1, 80616 2001 and Grille Details date stamped on 8th January 2009, and a letter Mr C Chestnutt of 3D Interior dated 7th January 2009.

C 3. This approval relates to the submitted letter from Mr C Chestnutt (agent) who has agreed that the grilles will match the will match the existing grilles (balck) which was received on 7th January, 2009. (Black)

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 56/08 (Delegation of Functions to the Acting Senior Planning Officer), GC 55/08 for Advertisements and 69/08 for Registered Buildings.

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 19.7.2009

Signed: D. R. L. Acting Senior Planning Officer

Signed: D. R. L. Acting Senior Planning Officer

19 February 2009

19 February 2009