Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:4292}} {{table:4293}} {{table:4294}} {{table:4295}} ## Considerations ## Written Representations ## Consultations

Officer's Report

Site:

The site represents the curtilage of the Ramsey Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey, which is a large three storey building located on the northern side of Parliament Square and east of Bowring Road.

Proposal

The application seeks approval for the creation of a doorway to the north elevation (rear) of the building, replacing an existing ground floor window.

Planning Status

The site has been zoned under the Isle of Man Development Plan Order 1982 as being "Mixed Use"; within Ramsey Conservation Area, and is also a Registered Building (Nr 79).

• Isle of Man Strategic Plan 20th June 2007
• Ramsey Local Plan 1998 – Planning Circular 2/99

Due to the site location, zoning and the type of proposal, the following policies are relevant for consideration:-

"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."

PLANNING HISTORY

Whilst the application site has been the subject of a number of previous planning applications it is considered that none of these are specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application.

REPRESENTATIONS

The Authority has received no privately written representations objecting to the application.

ASSESSMENT

The proposal to replace an existing window with a replacement door is very modest proposal which has no adverse visuals impact upon the appearance of the building.

RECOMMENDATION

Overall, it is considered the proposal would comply with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan and therefore it is recommended that the application be approved.

PARTY STATUS

It is considered that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status:

Ramsey Commissioners

The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

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 creation of a doorway as proposed in the submitted documents and drawings 1504 AA(0) 02 C, 1504 AA(0) 04, 1504 AA(0) 05 and 1504 AA(0) 06 all received on 3rd March 2011.

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

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 14.04.2011

Signed : Senior Planning Officer [Signature]