DEC Planning Officer Report

Case Officer: Mr Edward Baker Photo Taken: Site Visit: 15.05.2013 Expected Decision Level: Officer Delegation

Officer's Report

The Application Site

1. The application site is 84 Bucks Road, Douglas. It forms part of the shop frontage to the east side of Bucks Road, close to the junction with Christian Road. The premises are three storeys with a dental practice currently operating at ground floor. There is an opticians and takeaway either side. It is likely that there are flats above.

The Proposal

1. The application seeks advertisement consent for new signage. It includes a new illuminated fascia sign and non-illuminated projecting sign.

1. The Planning Authority is also currently considering an application for a replacement shop front at the same property (13/00463/B).

Planning History

1. 13/00463/B – undetermined application for replacement shop front.

1. 09/00644/B – permission granted in 2009 for new replacement dormers.

1. 08/02069/B – permission granted in 2008 for rear extension.

1. 07/01512/C – permission granted in 2007 for change of use from shop to dental surgery.

Planning Policy

1. The site is within an area recognised as being predominantly residential in the Douglas Local Plan 1998.

1. General Policy 6 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 applies:

'Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements will be permitted on the site or building to which they relate provided they:

Application No.:	13/00470/D
Applicant:	Mr Brian Hewett
Proposal:	Erection of advertising signage
Site Address:	84 Bucks Road
	Douglas
	Isle Of Man
	IM1 3AG

• (a) are of a high standard of design and materials and relate well to the building and site on which they are to be displayed;
• (b) are in keeping with and do not detract from the surrounding area; and
• (c) are located so as not to cause a highway safety hazard.' 10. General Policy 7 also applies: 'Within our towns and villages, the display of external advertisements on sites or buildings other than those to which they relate will not generally be permitted.'

Representations

1. Douglas Corporation - no response at the time of writing.
2. Highways Division - no objection.

Assessment

1. It is considered that the proposed signage would be in keeping with the new shop front and surrounding area. It would arguably be an improvement over the existing signage. Although the materials would be plastic, there is other signage in the area of the same material, and it is considered that the proposed signs would be appropriate and not unattractive. It is considered that the character and appearance of the wider area would be preserved. In the interests of visual amenity, a condition is recommended to ensure that the signage is not lit by an intermittent light source.
2. There would be no adverse impacts on highway or public safety.

Recommendation

1. It is recommended that the planning application is approved with conditions.

Party Status

1. The Local Authority, Douglas Corporation, is by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5)(d) granted Interested Party Status.
2. The Highways Division is part of the Department of Infrastructure and is not an Interested Party.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of 21.05.2013

Recommendation:

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. The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in full accordance with the following plans: Drawing Numbers 083/04 01 and 083/04 02 received on 17 April 2013.

C 3. The signage hereby approved shall not be lit by an intermittent light source.

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 : 23.5.13

Determining officer (delete as appropriate)

Signed : Sohmousat Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer Senior Planning Officer

Signed : Sohmousat Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager

21 May 2013 13/00470/D Page 3 of 3