23 April 2018 · Planning Committee, signed by J Singleton (Presenting Officer)
National Tyres & Autocare, 45-46, Derby Square, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 3lp
The proposal involves alterations to the front elevation of an existing single-storey tyre fitting workshop in a residential area within the Windsor Road Conservation Area. Key changes include dismantling and rebuilding the front wall in rendered blockwork painted to match existing, enlarging the roller shutter door fr…
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The officer assessed the proposal against Environment Policy 35, which permits development in Conservation Areas only if it preserves or enhances character and protects special features.
Environment Policy 35
Requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance character and protect special features. Officer assessed front elevation alterations and found amended design aligns with adjacent terrace features (window heights, render banding, reveals), improving legibility and balance without harming street scene or appraisal-noted Victorian traits. Balances existing atypical commercial building in residential/Victorian setting.
Planning Circular 1/98, The Alteration and Replacement of Windows
Requires replacement windows visible from public thoroughfares in Conservation Areas to match original method of opening, glazing bars, and frame sections; less visible ones need similar glazing pattern. Proposal uses uPVC (not timber) with altered 3-over-3 to 2-over-3 pattern but retains similar proportions; officer deemed acceptable as part of overall façade improvement balancing representations.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
No external storage
There shall be no external storage of goods or the display of articles for sale on the site edged red on plan 35524.01 dated 29 September 2017. Reason: To ensure that the proposed development will not prejudice the general appearance of the locality and in the interests of highway safety.
does not object
no objection (on original and amended plans)
Douglas Borough Council and DOI Highways Division have no objections to application 17/01029/B; Isle of Man Victorian Society objects unless significant design changes are made to meet Conservation Area standards.
Key concern: proposals fall short of Conservation Area enhancement standards and Department standards
Douglas Borough Council
No ObjectionDouglas Borough Council has no objections to the listed applications.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionNo Highways Interest; NHI on 19/10/17
Isle of Man Victorian Society
ObjectionAny proposed works in a Conservation Area should enhance the area - these proposals fall short of that goal; The Department has set standards for work in Conservation Areas and the proposals as submitted fall a long way short of those standards and therefore should not be approved at all costs.
Planning permission was granted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) for alterations to the tyre fitting workshop at 45-46 Derby Square, Douglas, including demolishing the front gable wall, enlarging the roller shutter door, and replacing windows. The Isle of Man Victorian Society appealed, contending the changes would fail to preserve or enhance the Windsor Road Conservation Area character, advocating for matching residential terrace features like window sizes and sashes. The appellants highlighted historical design alignment and precedents like Talbot Blinds. The inspector found the workshop's utilitarian character distinct from adjacent Victorian terraces, pre-dating the Conservation Area, and concluded the functional alterations would refresh the building and preserve the area's mixed character without harm. The appeal was dismissed, upholding approval with a corrected description excluding 'extensions' and two conditions imposed.
Precedent Value
This appeal sets precedent that in mixed Conservation Areas, functional updates to pre-existing commercial buildings can preserve/enhance character without mimicking residential elegance, prioritising viability and existing contributions over strict replication. Future applicants should emphasise practical needs and subtle contextual ties rather than historical pastiche.
Inspector: Michael Hurley
