Officer Report 11/01448/B

Case Officer: Mr Chris Balmer Photo Taken: Site Visit: Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

The Site

1. The site represents the curtilage of Castle Rushen High School which is located on the southern side of Arbory Road oppose the Buchan and alongside the Southern Swimming Pool. The school is a large building encompassing older and modern elements and with a sports hall, tennis courts and playing fields within its curtilage.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks approval for the installation of two solar panels to the rear elevation of the tank room, which is a flat roofed structure which represents one of the tallest features of the school.

1. The two solar panels would be attached to the rear wall in a vertical position.

Planning History

1. There have been many applications; however, none of which are relevant for the determination of this applications.

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is within an area zoned for "Education" identified on the Castletown Area Plan 2001. It is appropriate to consider Community Policy 5 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007) which states:

"Permission will generally be given for proposals to improve or extend existing schools and institutions of higher education and to build new schools, subject to their being sited and designed in accordance with the other policies of this plan, having particular regard to the potential for community use of the buildings and the associated Open Space."

Representations

1. Castletown Commissioners indicate that they have no objections to the application.

Assessment

1. It is encouraged in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 to minimise environmental pollution to air, water and land and with this proposal the best practice to reduce energy consumption is being made.

Application No.:	11/01448/B
Applicant:	Department Of Education & Children Works Division
Proposal:	Installation of two solar panels
Site Address:	Castle Rushen High School
	Arbory Road
	Castletown
	Isle Of Man
	IM9 1RE

1. The proposed solar panels are all very minor proposals which are not apparent from public view. They would all be appropriate and in keeping with the existing property and would not significantly affect the character and appearance of the street scene or the surrounding in general.

1. It is judged that the environmental improvements outweigh the visual impact caused by the proposed development.

Party Status

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

Castletown Commissioners

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 21.11.2011

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 installation of two solar panels as proposed in the submitted documents and drawing 01 all received on 17th October 2011.

I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Development Control Manager.

Decision Made : Permitted Date: 25/11/11

Signed: _________________________ Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control

OR Signed: _________________________ Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager

21 November 2011 11/01448/B Page 3 of 3