Design and Access Statement

Design And Access Statement

Nelson Hotel, 11 Mona Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man

Prepared by Ochre Building Design Ltd DECEMBER 2016 Job no. 644

Nelson Hotel, 11 Mona Drive, Douglas Ochre Building Design Ltd, The New Rectory, Worthen, Shrewsbury SY5 9HN (tel) 01743891961 (email) [email protected]

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting the Scene
3. Planning Statement
4. Conclusions

1. Introduction

I. This statement has been produced on behalf of the Client and is for a full planning application. II. It is the intention of the proposal to make a positive contribution to the locality in accordance with current policies and improve the facilities for tourism and employment. The site falls into a well-established tourism related area of Douglas and represents good economic redevelopment. III. The proposal will offer increased employment opportunities for local people and support local businesses. IV. The proposal is for a change of use from the existing C3 Residential use approved under application 13/00718 back to hotel serviced accommodation for C 1 use.

Photographs of existing building

2. Setting the Scene

I. The site is located within 'The Drives' area of Douglas off Central Promenade at the junction of Empress Drive and Mona Drive. The site is a corner plot and has already traded as a hotel up until the current incarnation. II. Work has already started to develop the building as permitted under application number 13/00718 however the financial viability for the approved apartments is in doubt given the current and foreseeable market trends so an alternative use has been considered.

3. Planning Statement

I. The site falls within an existing conservation area which recognises the historic and architectural significance of the area and the preservation of its character. It is not intended that the appearance of the building is altered in any way especially as much of the external refurbishment has already been carried out. II. The hotel is intended to provide additional serviced accommodation for an adjacent hotel operator. Contractual discussions are, more or less, complete but it would be wrong to name them at this stage prior to completing the contract. It is intended that the work is

Nelson Hotel, 11 Mona Drive, Douglas Ochre Building Design Ltd, The New Rectory, Worthen, Shrewsbury SY5 9HN (tel) 01743891961 (email) [email protected]

complete in time for part of the coming tourist season which is why we wish to make this application now. III. The adopted Local Plan confirms that the proposed use is acceptable and it would be a simple reversion to type with a revised internal layout to provide 6 no. 2 bed units and 3 no. 1 bed units. IV. The hotel has more than reasonable access to regular public transport to all parts of the island. It therefore serves as an excellent base for tourism as well as providing accommodation which is more flexible than a conventional hotel room and without the necessity for relying on a car.

4. Conclusions

I. The long term contractual arrangement with the hotel operator will ensure continued economic activity for the building giving it a positive future. II. The proposal has been designed with the surrounding properties and their character in mind to ensure that it is in keeping and makes the best use of the site whilst not causing an adverse effect on the area. III. We hope the information contained in this statement, together with the attached drawings, illustrate that the proposal allows you to determine this application positively.