Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:1474}} ### Considerations {{table:1472}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations {{table:1473}}

Officer's Report

THE APPLICATION SITE AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The application site comprises the Post Office Sorting Office that is located on Spring Valley Industrial Estate in Braddan. The proposed development comprises the erection of security fencing within the application site.

Planning History

Whilst the application site has been the subject of previous planning applications it is considered that none of these are specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application.

Representations

The Department of Infrastructure Highways Division do not oppose the planning application.

Planning Policy

In terms of local plan policy, the application site is located within a wider area of land that is designated as predominantly industrial use under the Braddan Parish District Local Plan.

In terms of strategic plan policy, the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 contains one policy that is considered specifically material to the assessment of this current planning application. General Policy 2 states:

"Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development:

• (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief;
• (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them;
• (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape;
• (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses;
• (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea;
• (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks;

• (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality;
• (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space;
• (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways;
• (j) can be provided with all necessary services;
• (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan;
• (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding;
• (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and
• (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption."

Assessment

The planning application seeks planning approval for the erection of security fencing within the application site. In a number of areas the proposed fencing replaces existing fencing.

The proposed development is considered not be an unusual feature within a commercial area and its impact is considered to be relatively limited. As such, the proposal is concluded to accord with the provisions of General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007.

It is recommended that the planning application be approved.

Party Status

It is considered that the following parties that made representations to the planning application should not be afforded interested party status:

The Department of Infrastructure Highways Division. I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer.

Decision Made : Permitted Date: 16 February 2011 Signed: [Signature] Senior Planning Officer

Recommendation
Recommended Decision:	Permitted
Date of Recommendation:	11.02.2011
Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal
C : Conditions for approval
N : Notes attached to conditions
R : Reasons for refusal
O : 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 drawing no.s HQ001/V1 and HQ002 date stamped the 17th January 2011.