28 March 2024 · Planning Committee
Douglas Corporation Tramways Department, Strathallan Crescent, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4nr
The proposal involved a change of use for a flat, hardstanding area of approximately 750sqm within the curtilage of the former Summerland site, located adjacent to the Manx Electric Railway Depot, Horse Tram facilities, and Terminus Tavern in Douglas.
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The officer determined that the proposal fails the statutory Conservation Area test under Section 18(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act (1999), as the parking of DOI vehicles and equipment in thi…
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site/surroundings in siting/layout/scale, not adversely affect townscape character, amenity, adjoining land use per Area Plan, road safety, or public views. Officer found proposal fails multiple tests: harms Conservation Area/street scene character, prejudices Summerland redevelopment, compromises tourism facilities.
Environment Policy 35
Permits only development preserving/enhancing Conservation Area character, protecting special features. Officer assessed vehicle parking as car park/compound detrimental to character in prominent position, failing to preserve/enhance versus current hardstanding; supported by Registered Building Officer.
Transport Policy 3
New development on/around rail routes must not compromise tourism/leisure attraction. Proposal's proximity to horse tram/MER stations would intrude on views/experience, harming visitor amenity per Conservation Area Appraisal.
Strategic Policy 4
Requires protection/enhancement of Conservation Areas and landscape quality. Cited in policy list but primary assessment via statutory test and ENV35; proposal fails Conservation Area protection.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Policy CA/2 (Conservation Areas)
Impact on special character of Conservation Area is material consideration. Officer applied alongside statutory test, finding adverse visual impact from operating centre.
no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking
do no object
Douglas Borough Council and Highway Services Division raised no objections to application 24/00167/C, while the Registered Buildings Officer objected due to harm to the conservation area character.
Key concern: fail to preserve or enhance the special character of the conservation area
Douglas Borough Council
No ObjectionDouglas Borough Council has no objections.
Highway Services HDC
No ObjectionAfter reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking.
Registered Buildings Officer
Objectionan operating centre/maintenance vehicle car park with no attempt at landscaping or formal delineation would, in my view, clearly fail to preserve or enhance the special character of the conservation area.; The proposed site sits immediately adjacent to the Terminus Tavern, which began life at Strathallan Lodge in the 19th century and is noted within the architecture section of the Conservation Area Character Appraisal.; the proposed operating centre/maintenance vehicle car park does not compliment these existing uses, and the proposal also has the potential to jeopardise the future development of the Summerland site as a whole.
