22 May 2025 · Planning Committee
6, Market Hill, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 2be
The proposal involves converting the ground and basement floors of a three-storey Art Deco building from a retail shop to a clinic and health centre including reception, consultant rooms, treatment rooms, staff room, and new fire escape, plus beauty therapy services (Sui Generis).
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The officer noted the proposal's limitations including loss of active retail frontage and absence of on-site parking, which represents a shortfall against Appendix A.7.6 of Transport Policy 7 requirin…
General Policy 2
Requires safe/convenient access (h), no unacceptable road safety/traffic effects (i), and preservation of architectural character (b). Officer found compliance via public transport proximity and materials conditions mitigating parking and visual impacts.
Strategic Policy 3 - To respect the character of our towns and villages
Requires developments to positively contribute to architectural setting (b). Alterations like new windows/door and slit window reinstatement enhance streetscape while respecting Art Deco features.
Environment Policy 42 - character and need to adhere to local distinctiveness
Protects local distinctiveness and character. Infilling chamfered entrance and new door assessed as acceptable with high-quality matching materials to maintain architectural integrity.
Transport Policy 4
Highway capacity and safety. No concerns raised by DOI Highways due to sustainable location.
Transport Policy 7
Requires parking per standards (3 spaces/consulting room + staff); shortfall acknowledged but relaxed per Appendix A.7.6(d) due to bus route proximity and no unacceptable on-street parking.
Business Policy 1
Encourages employment growth if policy-compliant. Clinic supports local services and jobs.
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.
Materials approval
Prior to the installation of external finishes and materials, details of all external finishes, including the manufacturer's details, specification and colour of all the materials/wall/windows/doors to be used in the external finish for the approved development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The development shall not be occupied or brought into use unless the external finish has been applied in accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter. Reason: To ensure that the development is carried out to the highest standards of materials, in the interests of the appearance of the development and the visual amenities of the area.
Use restriction
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2019 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), the use hereby approved shall be for Use Class 1.2 - Financial and professional services, Class 4.1 - Clinics or health centres of that Use Classes Schedule, and beauty therapy services (Sui Generis) only. Reason: The Department has assessed the impact of the proposal on this basis of these uses only and any alternative uses will require further consideration.
no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as the site is in the sustainable location in Douglas centre with parking available
no objection
Douglas City Council has no objections to application 25/90270/B.
Douglas City Council
No ObjectionDouglas City Council has no objections.; 25/90270/B Change of use from retail to clinic and health centres with alterations to external windows and doors at 6 Market Hill Douglas Isle Of Man IM1 2BE
