Officer Planning Assessment Report

of the 'A' frame boards is currently a blackboard which it is assumed to be turned into vinyl printed advertisement. The choice of materials is certainly not of a high design standard. The placement of the 'A' frame boards outside of the shop unit will add additional clutter to the streetscene. The display of advertisements on a permanent nature would impact on the visual amenities of the locality. In respect of public safety, the 'A' boards are to be placed on a wide stretch of Castle Street, which is a pedestrianised area. The signs will reduce the pavement width to 6.4m and 7m. This reduction still provides sufficient clearance for two persons to pass at the same time. However, the placement of 'A' boards on the highway would still create an obstruction for pedestrians, in particular for the blind and partially sighted persons, when walking close to the shop front. It is considered the display of the 'A' frame advertising boards would be prejudicial to pedestrian safety. In conclusion, the display of the advertisements would be contrary to General Policy 2 and General Policy 6 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 by reason of their siting and design would result in: 1) the introduction of additional clutter into the street scene, which will be detrimental to the visual amenities of the locality; and 2) establishing an obstruction within the public highway for pedestrians, in particular for the blind and partially sighted persons, and would be prejudicial to pedestrian safety. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that express consent to display the advertisements be refused for the above reasons. However, if the Independent Inspector is minded to recommend to the Council of Ministers that the application be approved, the Planning Authority suggests the following conditions. Schedule of Conditions 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. 2. This consent relates to the placement of two advertising boards as shown in drawing numbers 09 632 01, location plan, and proposed elevations date stamped 9th December 2010. This statement has been prepared by Mr Ian Brooks BA(Hons) DipTP MRTPI, Planning Officer on behalf of the Planning and Building Control Division of the Department of Infrastructure. Date: 24.10.2011