21 December 2009 · Senior Planning Officer (delegated under Article 3(13) of the Town and Country (Development Procedure) Order 2005)
24, Derby Square, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 3ls
The proposal sought retrospective approval for two solar panels (each 1640mm x 2900mm) installed at an angle on top of the ridge line of the south-facing roof of 24 Derby Square, a three-storey terraced dwelling in Douglas. The site is within the Windsor Road Conservation Area.
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The officer assessed the retrospective proposal solely on its planning merits as if not yet installed, following a site visit on 8 December 2009.
Environment Policy 35
Requires that within Conservation Areas, only development which preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the Area will be permitted, protecting special features from inappropriate development. The officer assessed the solar panels as failing this test due to their prominent siting above the ridge line, introducing incongruous elements harmful to the conservation area's townscape character.
General Policy 2
Permits development in line with zoning and plans if it respects site/surroundings in siting/layout/scale/form/design (b), does not adversely affect townscape character (c), and does not harm locality amenity (g). The panels' scale and position above the ridge were found to breach these, creating visual detriment to the terraced streetscene and conservation area.
Environment Policy 4
Supports alternative energy including solar panels, judged against environmental policies; requires EIA for some installations. Acknowledged as aligning with energy reduction best practice but outweighed by visual harms under ENV35 and GP2.
no objection to the proposals
