180469

From: Councillor Mr Andrew Bentley [email protected]

Sent: 22 September 2019 13:03

To: Redacted

Cc: DEFA, Planning; Thomas, Chris (Tynwald); Corlett, Ann (MHK); Councillor Miss Debbie Pitts

Subject: Re: Planning Application 19/00747B

Dear Reda

I have taken a look at the site concerned. The building has been demolished, the ground levelled and the perimeter has been secured with Herras fencing.

I notice that an appeal has been lodged against the planning approval notice of 16th July. The planning appeal process has a number of stages and takes months so it is very unlikely a decision will be reached this year.

Should the approval be upheld the developer will then be required to submit technical information for building control approval from the Borough, this is technical matter between the council's officers and the client and not open to public scrutiny. The preparation of drawings and approval could take two, three, four months, so it is unlikely that the developer would be in a position to commence on site prior to spring at the earliest, but more likely after TT. Experience would tell me that the construction of a 3 storey terrace of houses would take approximately 12 months, so it is unlikely you are going to see a completed terrace of houses before the summer of 2021 at the earliest and there will be trade vehicles coming, going and parking for the duration of the construction period. It would be impossible to build without that happening.

From the council's perspective the Old Bakery was on the dilapidated buildings register for a number of years, however it case was closed once the building was demolished. It would be very difficult to justify action when the site's owner is actively in the process of seeking permission to redevelop the site. The council tends to act when sites are abandoned and no improvement has taken place after repeated warnings, as was the case with the old bakery building.

The site itself has been cleared, flattened and the rubble removed. It would not be reasonable to expect landscaping works to take place on a site where they are intending to build in six months time and where the primary cause of delay is a neighbour objecting to the proposed development.

The most important consideration with building sites is safety and whether the developer has taken reasonable action to prevent unauthorised access and I believe this would be a matter for DEFA's Health & Safety Inspectorate. Should you have any concerns about this I will be happy to deal with them and contact the developer on your behalf, however, the site has been secured with fencing and, even if entry was gained, presents a very low risk.

You did write in an earlier email about your parking concerns for the new development. The plans show two parking spaces to the rear of each property, this is in accordance with the provisions of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 for new build properties.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is my honest assessment of the best case scenario. The bakery was an eyesore for years and it is good to see progress finally being made. The proposed plans show four houses that when completed will be very similar in scale and appearance to the rest of your terrace.

Regards

Andrew Bentley RIBA

Councillor for Derby Ward/[email protected]

Member of Environmental Services Committee

> On 18 Sep 2019, at 12:54, Redacted wrote: > > Dear Sir/Madam > > Reference the above planning application - demolition of Bakery and erection of four houses - Grosvenor Road, Douglas. > > Whilst the bakery has been removed the site has now become an unacceptable eyesore and in worse condition than previously and although I come outside of the 20 meter range for comment I wish to place on record, on behalf of the residents and those people who use this road, our concern regarding this site. > > Redacted > 2 Grosvenor Road > DOUGLAS > Isle of Man IM1 3EJ