27 November 2024 · Delegated - Principal Planner (Chris Balmer)
Sunny Gables, Somerset Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5ba
The proposal involves placing a timber-clad electric sauna cabin measuring 3.3m x 2.4m x 2.4m high in the rear section of the long narrow side garden at Sunny Gables, a two-storey end-terrace house on the corner of Somerset Road and Hildesley Road.
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The officer assessed the proposal against Section 18(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1999, which requires special attention to preserving or enhancing Conservation Area character, and found no…
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect local character, amenity, and townscape. The officer found the sauna complies as it is similar to domestic garden structures, screened by fencing, and its timber finish fits the enclosed garden context, having negligible impact on the street scene.
Strategic Policy 4
Seeks to protect or enhance the fabric and setting of Conservation Areas. Assessed as compliant since the structure preserves the Conservation Area character, being largely concealed and not adversely affecting the townscape.
Environment Policy 35
Guides development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance character. The proposal satisfies this as the sauna's position and screening ensure no adverse visual impact on the Conservation Area or property.
Environment Policy 34
Preference for traditional materials in pre-1920 buildings. The timber Spruce wood finish was deemed in keeping with the garden's character enclosed by timber fencing.
Strategic Policy 3 - To respect the character of our towns and villages
Promotes good design and use of local materials and character. The high-quality modern design and timber materials were considered appropriate.
Spatial Policy 5
Promotes good design and use of local materials and character. Referenced alongside SP3 for design suitability.
Environment Policy 42 - character and need to adhere to local distinctiveness
New development should take into account area character and identity. The residential garden context supports the sauna as a typical ancillary structure.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as the boundary fence is existing so visibility will not be reduced due to the proposals, subject to sauna remaining for private use via condition
no objection to the application
Highway Services HDC reviewed application 24/91179/B and found no significant negative impact on highway safety, network functionality or parking, recommending no objection subject to a condition that the sauna remains for private use.
Highway Services HDC
Conditional No ObjectionAfter reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as the boundary fence is existing so visibility will not be reduced due to the proposals, subject to sauna remaining for private use via condition (to stop undesirable public parking).
Conditions requested: sauna remaining for private use via condition (to stop undesirable public parking)
