Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:104688}} {{table:104689}} {{table:104690}} {{table:104691}} ### Considerations {{table:104692}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations ### Policy

Officer's Report

The site, defined in blue, represents the curtilage of the existing B & Q store on the northern side of Cooil Road. The red area represents the part of the existing building which is proposed for development in the form of a mezzanine level.

The site falls within an area designated on the Braddan Local Plan as Predominantly Industrial.

Previously, B & Q sought approval for an extension. PA 93/1131 proposed a sizeable extension which was refused by the Planning Committee but approved on appeal after a positive recommendation by the independent inspector. This was on the basis that the inspector felt that the policy against out of

town retailing and the resolution of Tynwald which lead to this policy could not be applied to existing operations which were lawful and that the proposal included much needed car parking (which has been provided) and was not to extend the range of goods for sale but was to increase aisle width and shoppers’ facilities and service.

This application proposes the creation of a mezzanine level at the western end of the building (over the bathroom fixtures and fittings and carpets, tiles and rugs and up to the customer entrance). The new floor area will be used for the display of bathroom, bedroom and lighting items. There will be what appear to be an escalator up and from the new level, accessed from the customer entrance.

The approval granted for the original store and the extension approved under PA 93/1131 required that “The premises must be used for retailing DIY home and garden improvement and car maintenance products, building materials and builders merchants’ goods only and must not be used for any other purpose within Classes 1, 2 and 3 of the Use Classes Order”. The items which are shown as being retailed from the new level would comply with this (although lighting is not necessarily compliant, they do sell lamp shades, lights and lighting –related appliances at present).

As such, I can see no sustainable reason for refusing the application.

The applicant has confirmed that there are to be no external changes except the changes in colour to the main signage and the two new signs which are remarkably similar to the existing at the entrance and next to the trolley park.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 29.04.2005

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 permission relates to the installation of a mezzanine level as shown in drawings 20H, 19F and 15143-1B and the location plan all received on 8th March, 2005 and the change in the colour of the signage as shown in the submitted information.

N 1. PRIOR to the commencement of any works the applicant is advised to consult the Chief Fire Officer to ensure that adequate fire precautions are taken.

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 57/01 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control).

Decision Made : Approval by delegation Date : 20/5/05

Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control