Conversion of building from retail (class 1.1) to a community facility (class 4.3)

Why was this approved?

• Enhancement of Conservation Area character
• Reuse of underused building
• Relaxed parking standards in town centre
• No amenity or traffic harm
• Land use compatibility
• Improved design and accessibility

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Decision & Reasoning

Policies Assessed (6)

Conditions (8)

1. 1

   Time limit

   The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.

2. 2

   Approved use class

   The approved use is community facilities within Class 4.3 of the Use Class Order 2019 (and any legislation that may precede or replace this order).

3. 3

   Off-site highway works

   Prior to the occupation or operation of the community facility hereby approved, the off-site highway works on the west side of Finch Road that are also south of St Barnabas Hill, including the drop-off/pick up bay fronting the site, one dropped curb and all other highway works within red line of application, as detailed in the approved plan (drawing no. P-03, which was received on 10th May 2024) must be completed and retained thereafter.

4. 4

   Cycle and bin storage

   Prior to the occupation or operation of the community facility hereby approved, the cycle storage facilities, bin storage area and their accesses shown in the approved plan (drawing no. P-01 Rev E, which has been received on 10th May) must be completed and retained thereafter.

5. 5

   Materials approval

   The materials and finishes used in the renovation must match those specified in the approved plans.

6. 6

   Fountain documentation

   Prior to the removal of the fountain on the east boundary, as shown in drawing no. P-02 Rev D, which was received on 10th May 2024, details of the existing fountain shall be documented submitted to the Department.

7. 7

   Hard landscaping scheme

   No development shall take place until full details of hard landscaping works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department and these works shall be carried out as approved. The hard landscaping should include details of the surface finishes of the front paving and footpaths as well as any new walls to all boundaries of the site, including details of the repositioned fountain/font. The hard landscaping works, including the repositioned fountain/font shall be completed in full accordance with the approved details prior to the first use of the occupation or operation of the community facility hereby approved.

8. 8

   Disability access ramps

   Prior to the occupation or operation of the community facility hereby approved, disability access ramps, as shown in drawing no. P-02 Rev D, which was received on 10th May 2024, shall be installed and retained thereafter.

Public Comments (4)

Consultation Responses

Highway Services initially had no objection subject to cycle parking, later requested further information, and ultimately issued no objection subject to conditions after revisions; Douglas Borough Council consistently had no objections; local residents objected citing parking shortages, policy conflicts, and design issues.