19 July 2021 · Planning Committee (presented by Mr S Butler)
10 Woodbourne Villas, 42, Alexander Drive, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 3qg
Sure (IOM) Ltd proposed a 15m tall shrouded monopole with 6 antennas and 1 dish, equipment cabinets in a 4.4x5m compound with 1.9m high blockwork wall and 1.2m boundary fencing, parking areas, and landscaping including 3 cherry blossom trees on a derelict vacant plot bounded by residential properties and light industri…
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The proposal complies with Strategic Plan Infrastructure Policy 3 by balancing the need for telecommunications infrastructure against environmental impact, with demonstrated need due to poor mobile co…
Environment Policy 35
Permits only development preserving/enhancing Conservation Area character. Mast causes limited visual harm but neutral overall due to site improvements; not sufficient for refusal alone.
General Policy 2
Requires respect for site/surroundings, no adverse amenity/character/highway impacts. Partial non-compliance on amenity/outlook and character outweighed by infrastructure benefits.
Strategic Policy 4
Protects Conservation Areas. Similar assessment to EP35; harm acknowledged but balanced.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Parking and manoeuvring areas
Prior to the development hereby approved being bought into use, the parking and manoeuvring areas shall be provided in accordance with the approved plans (as amended by condition 3) and retained as such thereafter.
Surfacing details (no gravel near highway)
No development shall commence until details of the surfacing of parking and manoeuvring areas, ensuring that there is no gravel within 6 metres of a vehicular entrance onto a public highway, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department and thereafter retained as such.
Landscaping scheme
No development shall commence until details of both the hard and soft landscaping works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. These details shall include, as a minimum, where applicable; planting plans; planting schedule; means of enclosure; boundary treatments; hard surfacing materials; and an implementation programme. The landscaping works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and thereafter retained. Any tree or shrub which dies or is removed within 5 years of being planted shall be replaced.
No lighting or high noise fans
No lighting may be installed within the site and no fans may be installed at the site with a noise output higher than as defined in the application details (supporting statement).
Removal if redundant
In the event of the mast and cabinets erected under this approval becoming redundant, they must be taken down and removed from the site within 6 months of the cessation of the use.
Pole colour approval
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department of the colour of the pole (including shroud) hereby approved and the development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with these details and retained as such thereafter.
strategic national need for capacity; consistent with National Telecom Strategy; temporary mast indicates coverage issues
do not oppose, subject to no gravel within 6m of highway
no Flood Risk Management interest
no concerns re bats/EMF/5G based on current evidence
strongly support improved communications/5G
The original application for a 15m telecom pole with cabinets and fencing on vacant land in the Selborne Drive Conservation Area was recommended for approval by the officer despite public objections, citing telecom need, lack of alternatives, and site improvement outweighing CA and amenity harms. The Planning Committee deferred then approved it on 12/07/2021 subject to conditions. Three appeals were lodged by residents (Mr & Mrs Cram, Mr & Mrs Murcott) and Douglas Borough Council, arguing non-compliance with CA policies (EP35), visual intrusion, inadequate alternatives, and no strategic national need under IP3. The applicant (Sure IOM Ltd) defended on commercial need, coverage benefits, and site constraints. After inquiry on 21/09/2021 and site visit, the Inspector found significant harm to CA character/appearance, residential outlook, and insufficient evidence of strategic national need or exhausted alternatives, allowing the appeals and refusing permission.
Precedent Value
Reinforces strict CA tests (EP35/StrP4): harm must be outweighed by strategic national need under IP3, not mere commercial rationale. Applicants must provide robust evidence of exhausted alternatives/sharing and overall Island-wide need; public objections carry weight if policy-aligned.
Inspector: Brian J Sims
