5 August 2014 · Planning Committee
Dance Studio, Onchan Park, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 1hu
The proposal involves changing the use of three squash courts within Onchan Squash Club—court 1 to a dance hall with spectator seating, court 2 to a soft play area, and court 3 to a soft play/parent room—while retaining court 4 as a squash court. This is a retrospective application submitted by Onchan Commissioners.
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The principal issue was whether converting three of four squash courts to a dance school and indoor play area resulted in the loss of a community facility.
General Policy 2
Requires development in accordance with land-use zoning and Area Plan proposals, respecting site/surroundings in siting/layout/scale/design, without adversely affecting landscape, wildlife, amenities, highway safety, or requiring specific services. The officer concluded the proposal complies as it is within public open space zoning and replaces recreational use without physical changes impacting these aspects.
Community Policy 2
New community facilities should serve local population, be accessible to non-car users, and reuse underused buildings. The conversion reuses an existing underused sports building for other community leisure uses accessible within Onchan Park.
Community Policy 3
Loss of local community facility permitted only if no longer practical/desirable for existing or alternative beneficial use. The officer found squash courts underused outside peaks and replacement with dance/soft play desirable as ongoing leisure for more users, not a net loss.
recommend that the planning application be approved
Isle of Man Squash Rackets Association objects to the retrospective change of use due to loss of sports facilities and parking concerns, while Onchan District Commissioners support the application and recommend approval.
Key concern: loss of purpose-built squash courts and sports facilities
Isle of Man Squash Rackets Association
ObjectionI would ask this application to be rejected as there are many other buildings which would support a dancing facility and area for children to play in Onchan; The parking is a big issue with the increase with the WSD and the restaurant; Onchan Bowl No change of use envisaged. This is still current.
Onchan District Commissioners
SupportThe Commissioners recommend that the application be APPROVED for planning purposes only.
Onchan District Commissioners
Supportparking has not proved to be an issue over the past four years; no change of use would be required
