Officer Report Recommendation

Case Officer: Miss Laura Davy Photo Taken: Site Visit: Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

Introduction

1. This application seeks permission for the extension of the existing plant compound and installation of an oil tank within an area zoned as Business Park. The application is considered to be acceptable and in accordance with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of Howard Pearson House, Victoria Road, Douglas which is a two storey detached office block which is used by the Royal Bank of Scotland Ltd.

1. In the south west corner of the site is the existing plant compound. The parking is on the south east and north east of the site.

1. On the south west boundary there are a number of large trees which screen the site.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks approval for the extension of the existing plant compound for the installation of an oil tank. The walls of the extension would be constructed of 200mm thick block with capping slab, rendered and painted white to match existing.

1. The extension would measure approximately 3m x 4.5m, the oil tank would be installed within the extension of the compound.

Planning History

1. The previous planning applications are not considered specifically material in the assessment of the current application.

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is in an area zoned as "Business Park" identified on the Douglas Local Plan 1998. It is appropriate to consider General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007).

1. General Policy 2 states: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development:

Application No.:	11/01771/B
Applicant:	Duncan Smith
Proposal:	Extension to existing plant compound and installation of oil tank
Site Address:	Howard Pearson House Victoria Road Douglas Isle Of Man IM2 4RP

• (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them;
• (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape;
• (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality

1. The above points are considered to be the most relevant in the assessment of the current application.

Consultations

1. Highways Division has not commented
2. Douglas Corporation has no objections.

Assessment

1. The proposed extension of the compound is a small addition to the existing structure. It would provide a secure area for the storage of the new oil tank.
2. The extension would not result in the undue loss of light to the building or appear unduly overbearing when viewed from the ground floor offices.
3. The existing trees on the boundary are shown to be retained and would not be adversely affected by the proposed extension. The trees would also provide substantial screening of the extension when travelling along the highway.
4. Given the size and design of the extension it is considered that the proposal would not have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the application site or the surrounding area in general.
5. It is considered that the proposed development would respect the site in terms of siting, scale, form and design. It is judged that the proposal would not adversely affect the amenities of local residents.
6. For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval.

Party Status

1. The local authority, Douglas Corporation is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status.
2. The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 27.01.2012 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 extension of the existing plant compound and installation of oil tank as shown in drawings 0100, 0101 and 0102 received 23rd December 2011.

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

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 30-1-13

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed : [Handwritten signature] Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer

Signed : [Handwritten signature] Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control

Signed : [Handwritten signature] Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

Signed : [Handwritten signature] Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager