29 October 2013 · Minister for Infrastructure (Hon D C Cretney MHK), by Order of the Chief Executive (N J Black)
Land At Westham, Arbory Road, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1nd
The proposal involved erecting temporary advertising signage (2 x 8x4ft and 1 x 8x2ft panels on Di-Bond graphics printed onto white vinyl with protective overlaminate, mounted on a timber structure above an existing stone wall) on vacant land at Westham, Arbory Road, Castletown, to advertise a dwelling for sale for up …
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The documents provided do not include the officer's delegated report or initial refusal reasons, only the appeal decision notice which approves the application without stating the reasoning.
Time limit for erection
The advertisement hereby granted consent shall be erected before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Approved drawings
The advertisement hereby granted consent shall be erected in full accordance with Drwg Nos 003 and 004 received on 22 August 2013, and Drwg Nos 001 and 002 received on 11 September 2013.
Removal requirement
The advertisement shall be removed from the site and the land restored to its original state within 18 months from the date of this notice, or upon the sale of the dwelling that it advertises, whichever is the sooner.
The original application for erection of a 3m x 2.4m temporary advertising sign for 18 months was refused by the Planning Committee against officer recommendation, citing it as large, intrusive and unattractive facing Buchan School, injurious to school amenity. Appellant argued the sign's design is standard, location optimal due to trees blocking road frontage, users would desensitise, and it would be removed post-sale. Inspector found the sign unduly large and intrusive in school's landscaped grounds, detracting from surroundings contrary to IoMSP General Policy 6(b), though acceptable for highway safety under 6(c). Inspector recommended dismissal. Minister disagreed, allowing appeal on balance due to marketing needs for the economy, site's lack of street frontage, safe distance from highway, and backdrop, subject to time-limited conditions.
Precedent Value
This appeal demonstrates Ministers can overturn inspector recommendations where economic/development marketing benefits outweigh visual harms in sensitive locations, especially for sites without frontage. Applicants should emphasise temporary nature, economic impact, and site constraints while proposing strict time-limited conditions.
Inspector: Ruth V MacKenzie BA(Hons) MRTPI
