Planning Officer Report

Considerations {{table:475489}} {{table:475487}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations {{table:475488}}

Officer's Report

THE APPLICATION SITE AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The application site comprises the residential curtilage of a mid-terraced dwelling that is located in Church Avenue, Onchan. The proposed development comprises the erection of a two storey extension onto the rear elevation of the dwelling. PLANNING HISTORY There are no previous planning applications that are considered to be material to the assessment of this current planning application. REPRESENTATIONS Onchan District Commissioners recommend that the planning application be approved. The Department of Transport Highways Division do not oppose the planning application. The Department of Transport Drainage Division do not oppose the planning application.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service express an interest in the planning application and suggest that the proposal is unsafe in the event of fire.

PLANNING POLICY

In terms of local plan policy, the application site is within an area recognised as being within predominantly residential use under the Onchan Local Plan. Policy O/RES/P/21 of the written statement (Planning Circular 1/2000) that accompanies the Onchan Local Plan states:

"Extensions and alterations to existing residential property will generally not be opposed where such proposals are appropriate in terms of scale, massing, design, appearance and impact on adjacent property."

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."

Paragraph 8.12.1 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 states "As a general policy, in built up areas not controlled by Conservation Area or Registered Building policies, there will be a general presumption in favour of extensions to existing property where such extensions would not have an adverse impact on either adjacent property or the surrounding area in general."

ASSESSMENT

The planning application seeks approval for the erection of a two storey extension onto the rear elevation of the dwelling.

Having viewed the application site it is considered that the impact of the proposed development on public and private amenity is acceptable. As such the proposal accords with policy O/RES/P/21 of Planning Circular 1/2000 and General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007. Accordingly, it is recommended that the planning application be approved.

It should be noted that in respect of the concern of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service that internal layout and means of escape are subject to building control. The issue is therefore not a material planning consideration and therefore cannot be reason for refusal of a planning application.

PARTY STATUS

It is considered that the following parties that made representations to the planning application meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status:

Onchan District Commissioners; The Department of Transport Highways Division; and The Department of Transport Drainage Division.

It is considered that the following parties that made representations to the planning application do not meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should not be afforded interested party status:

8 July 2009

09/00766/B

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 08.07.2009 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 location plan and composite floor and elevation plan date stamped the 28th April 2009.

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 09/09 Delegation of functions, 10/09 Delegation of Functions (Development Procedure), GC No 11/09 (Advertisements) and GC No 12/09 (Registered Buildings) all to the Senior Planning Officer

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 24 July 2009

Signed : [Signature] Senior Planning Officer