18 January 2019 · Delegated - Principal Planner (Chris Balmer)
18, Hutchinson Square, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4hs
The site is 18 Hutchinson Square, an end-terrace four-storey traditional yellow brick dwelling in the Ballaquayle Road Conservation Area, featuring prominent front steps to a first-floor door, bay windows either side, and sunken front gardens.
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The officer assessed the proposal against General Policy 2 and Environment Policy 35, focusing on whether changes would preserve or enhance the Ballaquayle Road Conservation Area.
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site/surroundings in siting, scale, form, design; not adversely affect townscape character or locality amenity. Officer found bay window replacement and railings failed these tests by harming conservation area and street scene character.
Environment Policy 35
Permits only development preserving or enhancing conservation area character, protecting special features. Proposal's doorways and railings would not preserve/enhance; bay windows are key features, railings lack matching detail to traditional cast iron.
no objections
Douglas Borough Council has no objections to application 18/01273/B among others listed.
Douglas Borough Council
No ObjectionDouglas Borough Council has no objections to the listed applications.; It should be noted that the comments are made in relation to the Town and Country Planning Acts and does not imply approval or consent under any other relevant enactment, byelaw, order or regulation.
The original application for alterations including replacement rear store, front patios, timber front door, new handrails, and patio doors replacing ground floor bay windows was refused by Principal Planner for harm to conservation area character from patio doors and inadequate railing details. Appellant argued proposals enhance the property, drawings showed matching railings, patio doors enable practical use consistent with prior basement approval, and officer overlooked submissions. Inspector agreed no issues with most elements but found patio doors harm CA character and uniformity, recommending dismissal. Minister part-allowed appeal for acceptable elements (with handrail condition) and part-refused patio doors, upholding refusal reason 1 for that element. No further representations were made, finalising the split decision on 25 September 2019.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates viability of split decisions in Isle of Man appeals, allowing beneficial elements while protecting CA character; future applicants should submit detailed matching designs for Conservation Areas and avoid altering key facade features like bay windows without strong precedent.
Inspector: Brian J Sims BSc(Hons) CEng MICE MRTPI
