Officer Report

Application No.: 16/00553/D Applicant: Appleby Proposal: Installation of non-illuminated signage Site Address: 37 Athol Street Douglas Isle Of Man IM1 1LA Case Officer : Mr Chris Balmer Site Visit: 20.06.2016 Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer’s Report

1.0 THE SITE - 1.1 The application site is the curtilage of 35-37 Athol Street, Douglas, an end of terrace office building situated on the south eastern side of the street. The building, which is a modern structure, and in recent times has been extended.

2.0 THE PROPOSAL - 2.1 The application seeks approval for the installation of non-illuminated signage in stainless steel letters to match the existing "Appleby Sign".

3.0 PLANNING HISTORY - 3.1 The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: 11/00935/D sought approval for the Relocation of signage. This was permitted.

09/01839/GB sought approval for the demolition of existing office building and erection of replacement office building. This was permitted.

11/00729/B sought approval for the creation of a new doorway and window to replace entrance doors and alteration to steps. This was permitted.

4.0 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES - 4.1 The application site is located within an area identified as being Predominantly Offices by the Douglas Local Plan. The site is within a Conservation Area. - 4.2 In terms of strategic plan policy, the Isle of Man Strategic Plan contains a number of policies that are considered specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application: - 4.3 General Policy 6 states: "Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they:

• (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed;
• (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and
• (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard."

4.4 General Policy 7 states: "Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted." - 4.5 Environment Policy 35 states: "Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development."

5.0 CONSULTATIONS - 5.1 Highway Services have no objection (received on 17.02.2016).

6.0 ASSESSMENT - 6.1 The main issue to be considered in the assessment of this application is the impact of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the individual property. - 6.2 The Planning Authority has a duty to determine whether such proposals are in keeping with not only the individual building, but the special character and quality of the area as a whole. With this in mind it is very relevant to consider Environment Policy 35 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (adopted June 2007). This policy indicates that development within Conservation Areas will only be permitted if they would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. - 6.3 The proposal is relatively small in scale, and would match the existing high quality 'Appleby' sign in design, finish and size. The signage is of a high quality, is appropriate to the style of the building and would not cause any unacceptable harm to the Conservation Area, therefore comply with EP35 GP 6 & 7.

7.0 RECOMMENDATION - 7.1 On the basis that the proposed development is considered to comply with the relevant policy of the Strategic Plan, a recommendation of approval is made.

8.0 PARTY STATUS - 8.1 By virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013, the following persons are automatically interested persons:

• (a) The applicant, or if there is one, the applicant's agent;
• (b) The owner and the occupier of any land that is the subject of the application or any other person in whose interest the land becomes vested;
• (c) Persons to whom notice has been given under regulation 10(3)(a)(i)
• (d) Any Government Department that has made written submissions relating to planning considerations with respect to the application that the Department considers material;
• (e) The Highways Division of the Department;
• (f) The Ports Division of the Department;
• (g) The operator of the railway or tramway; and
• (h) The local authority in whose district the land the subject of the application is situated.

Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 22.06.2016

Conditions and Notes for Approval: C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions

C 1. The advertisement(s) hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. Reason: To avoid the accumulation of unimplemented advertisement consents. This approval relates to drawings reference numbers Location Plan, 01 and 02 all received on 16th May 2016.

I can confirm that this decision has been made by a Senior Planning Officer in accordance with the authority afforded to that Officer by the appropriate DEFA Delegation.

Decision Made : Permitted Date: 23.06.2016 Determining officer

Signed : S CORLETT Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

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