9 September 2005 · Planning Inspector (David Ward) on appeal
Isle Of Man Breweries Distribution Centre, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 1qg
Heron and Brearley sought permission for a 24.5m deep, 33m wide warehouse extension (8m eaves, 10.5m ridge) clad in zinc steel panels over blockwork with off-white roof, a 22-space front car park, and rear lorry park on their 3.16ha industrial site zoned for light industrial use in Douglas.
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The Inspector found no policy objection as the site is zoned light industrial and Douglas Local Plan seeks efficient land use; current under-development (half site built) fails this, and refusal would…
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within 4 years of the date of this permission
Approved plans
This approval relates to drawings Nos 0007/03/03, 0007/03/04, and 0007/03/20.
Landscaping scheme
No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping including a programme for implementation and replacement of any planting which should fail has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority.
Surface water disposal
No development shall take place unless a scheme for the disposal of surface water has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority, and the scheme shall be implemented as approved before occupation of the extension hereby permitted.
External lighting
No external lighting shall be provided except in accordance with a scheme which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority.
No objection
No objection but adequate oil interception required on surface water drainage
Consult fire safety department; no further objection on review
Needed for Health & Safety compliance, efficient operations, no intensification, improves site tidiness/security
The original application PA 05/01359/B was initially partly granted but refused on review on 2 November 2005 by the Planning Committee for reasons relating to adverse visual impact from the front extension and car park, inadequate HGV turning space, and insufficient parking information at the rear. The appellant argued the development would improve site efficiency, comply with health and safety laws, enhance visual appearance with additional landscaping, and reduce off-site parking issues without intensifying use. The inspector found no harm to visual amenity or road safety, noted benefits from efficient land use preserving countryside, and accepted revised plans resolving technical issues. The appeal was allowed subject to conditions on landscaping, drainage, materials, and lighting.
Precedent Value
This appeal shows inspectors prioritise functional needs like health/safety and efficient industrial land use over preserving historical site layouts, especially with visual enhancements. Future applicants should provide revised technical drawings, DoT endorsements, and evidence tying proposals to legal compliance on zoned sites.
Inspector: David Ward
