Planning Statement

Application for full approval for the formation of a ramp and sundry internal alterations to facilitate new layout to Broadway Baptist Church

Planning Statement

(Read in conjunction with documents per the attached issue note)

1. Introduction

This statement has been prepared in support of an application for full approval for the construction of a ramp to facilitate access to the main floor of Broadway Baptist Church. It seeks to identify and explain the various factors considered relevant and the design approach adopted

2. Site

Broadway Baptist Church abuts the pavement on the north-east side of Broadway approximately 160 metres up from the Promenade. Two terraced houses immediately adjacent to the church in Sherwood Terrace provide ancillary accommodation which is used for pastoral care and they are known now as The Well and The Alpha Centre. To the north-west the church abuts another terraced property which houses a restaurant. There is pedestrian access to the rear of the property via a service lane that runs along the back of Sherwood Terrace.

3. Planning Policy

Broadway Baptist Church is not listed but it does sit within the Douglas Promenades Conservation Area. It is in an area noted as being "Mixed Use" on the Douglas Plan but it falls just outside the Douglas Town Centre Masterplan.

In 1991 an application was submitted for alterations to redevelop the church complex but except for one application ( $91 / 00363 / \mathrm{B}$ ) all other applications relate to works to The Well and The Alpha Centre in the church annexe.

4. Proposed Scheme

The driving force behind the application is the need to improve access to the church and this has been achieved by forming a ramp which is routed through the subsidiary door on the north-west of the street (south west) elevation. Broadway slopes at approximately $1: 10$. By starting the ramp at its highest point on the pavement the rise is reduced, and therefore its length, so that it can be contained within the boundaries of the church demesne.

Internally the layout of the new ramp has forced alterations to the foyer area. These have again been kept to a minimum but the opportunity to provide disabled wc facilities has been utilised.

While not directly related to this application work improving the condition of the stonework on the main façade has been undertaken in the recent past

5. Conclusion

. In order to improve and enhance the existing building the works to the front street elevation have been kept to an absolute minimum. The majority of the proposed works are internal and while they will be undertaken with sensitivity to the building fabric are not a specific planning matter. It is therefore requested that this application be approved.

Appendices:

A. Photograph of Broadway Elevation