Planning Officer Report

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 erection of advertising signage to a building in an area zoned as mixed use. The application is considered to be acceptable and is in accordance with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of Tower Buildings, Strand Road, Port Erin which is a three storey end of terrace property with basement accommodation below.

1. The site has recently been granted approval for a change of use to retail, café and residential.

1. The site is on a corner plot and is fairly prominent in the street scene.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks approval for the erection of two advertising signs to the front elevation. One sign measuring 6m x 0.6m and the other measuring 3.5m x 0.6m, both signs would be constructed of black aluminium with orange writing which reads "Cupacabana" with a palm tree at the end. Also on the sign it would read "Tea and Coffee" and "Collectables Gallery".

Planning History

1. There has been a recent application for the change of use of the site to retail, café and residential PA 11/01472/C. There was an application submitted after this for the installation of replacement windows PA 11/01625/B. Both of these applications were approved.

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is in an area zoned as "Mixed Use" identified on the Port Erin Local Plan 1990. The site is also within the Proposed Port Erin Conservation Area. It is appropriate to consider General Policy 6 and Environment Policy 37 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007).

1. General Policy 6

Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they:

Application No.:	12/00236/D
Applicant:	William Tindale
Proposal:	Erection of advertising signage
Site Address:	Tower Buildings Strand Road Port Erin Isle Of Man IM9 6HE

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.

9. Environment Policy 37

As a general policy, advertisements within Conservation Areas will be permitted only if: i) The proposal preserves or enhances the Conservation Area; ii) The signage is in a style appropriate to the character of the area; iii) Traditional materials and finishes are used and glossy and highly reflective materials are excluded from proposals; and iv) Internally illuminated box fascia and projecting box signs are excluded from the proposals.

Consultations

1. Highways Division recommend approval as it has no adverse traffic management, parking or road safety implications.
2. Port Erin Commissioners have recommended for approval.

Assessment

1. Given that the application site is in the proposed Port Erin Conservation Area it is appropriate to consider General Policy 6 and Environment Policy 37.
2. Whilst the application site is not in a Conservation Area it is in the proposed Conservation Area and therefore is appropriate to assess it as such.
3. The proposed signage is considered to be of a high quality in terms of design and materials. It is judged that the signage would relate well to the building and the surrounding area.
4. The proposed signage would not be illuminated and would not be glossy or highly reflective. Neither would it unduly affect highways safety.
5. It is considered that the proposed signage would not have an adversely harmful impact and therefore is recommended for approval.

Party Status

1. The local authority, Port Erin Commissioners 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: 23.03.2012

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 erection of advertising as shown in drawings Location Plan, Photograph and Proposed Signage received 17th February 2012.

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 : 23/3/12

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed : A. Holmes Signed : Anthony Holmes Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer Senior Planning Officer

Signed : Michael Gallagher Signed : Director of Planning and Building Control Development Control Manager