Planning Officer Report

Case Officer: Mr Steve Stanley Photo Taken: Site Visit: 19.09.2012 Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

Introduction

1. This application seeks permission to remove a gable end chimney stack on a property located within Douglas.

The Site

1. The application site is the curtilage of 3 Woodside Terrace, Douglas, a semi detached two storey building located towards the middle of the row of similar properties. Woodside terrace is a cul-de-sac of Victorian dwellings which sits perpendicular to Woodbourne Road. The properties have central chimneys and some have retained their gable chimneys.

The Proposal

1. This application seeks approval for the removal of an existing gable end chimney stack. The applicant states that the proposal stems from on-going problems of damp.

Development Plan Policies

1. The application site is located within an area that is designated as being Predominantly Residential use by the Douglas Local Plan. The site is within the Woodbourne Road Conservation Area.

1. Within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, the following is judged to be relevant:

Environment Policy 35, which states:

"Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development."

Planning History

1. Whilst the site has been the subject of previous planning applications, none are judged to be relevant to the assessment of this application.

Representations

1. No representations have been received in relation to this application.

Application No.:	12/01213/B
Applicant:	Juliet Catherine McCrory
Proposal:	Removal of gable end chimney stack
Site Address:	3 Woodside Terrace Douglas Isle Of Man IM2 3AH

ASSESSMENT

1. The key issues to be assessed in the determination of this application are the impact of the development upon the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

1. Chimneys can be important features of historic properties and can add to the character and interest of a street scene. The Building Conservation Officer has assessed the application and concluded that in this particular street, it is the central chimneys which are the most important. A number of gable end chimneys have already been removed, some of which would have been more visible than the one in question. Accordingly, on balance it is judged that the removal of the chimney would not represent the loss of a special feature in this case.

1. It is concluded that the application is acceptable.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Permit.

PARTY STATUS

1. The Local Authority is by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5)(d) granted Interested Party Status.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 05.10.2012 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 approval relates to the removal of a gable end chimney stack, 3 Woodside Terrace, Douglas as shown by Location, Site and photographs all received 31st August 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 : 9-10-12

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed : _________________________ Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer

Signed : _________________________ Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control

Signed : _________________________ Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer

Signed : _________________________ Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager