8 September 2003 · Planning Committee (final confirmation post-review and appeal)
Ballaquayle Infants School, Thorny Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5ee
The proposal involved creating a new pedestrian gate and footpath link in the school boundary wall on Stoney Road to improve pedestrian safety by dispersing parental parking away from the existing congested access near Malvern Road junction.
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The Planning Committee found the proposal 'unobjectionable' and approved it, supported by Highway Authority stating no adverse traffic impacts and fully supporting on safety grounds to reduce congesti…
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Approved plans
This approval relates to drawing number BQ/01 which is date stamped 15th July 2003.
no views/no adverse traffic impacts; fully supports on safety grounds to ease congestion/pedestrian safety
no objection
detailed recommendations on footway widths, crossfalls, barriers, surfacing (requested regard to suggestions)
Neighbouring residents Mr & Mrs Highy objected strongly to the new pedestrian access due to privacy loss and increased traffic issues, while statutory consultees including Highways Division and Douglas Borough Engineer raised no objections and supported the application on safety …
Department of Transport Highways Division
SupportThe creation of a new access further down Stoney Road will ease the parking problems and congestion, and in our opinion, make it safer and more convenient for pupils.; The Department fully supports the proposals on safety grounds.
Department of Transport Highways Division
SupportFrom a highway safety angle, the creation of an additional pedestrian access further down Stoney Road will ease the parking problems and congestion, making the area safer and more convenient for children.; The Department still fully supports the proposals on safety grounds.
Department of Transport Highways Division
No CommentThe Highways Division does not wish to make further representation to the forthcoming review, beyond the response in the initial letter.
Douglas Borough Engineer
No ObjectionDouglas Corporation have no objection to the proposals
Douglas Corporation
No ObjectionDouglas Corporation does not wish to add to the observations previously submitted
Department of Education Works Division
SupportI do not believe that by providing an additional pedestrian access to the school grounds will increase these problems; Our department aims to assist residents living close to our schools therefore we shall endeavor to remedy the problems outlined
Disability Access Office
No ObjectionA clear width of 2000 mm allows two wheelchairs to pass one another comfortably. This should be regarded as the minimum under normal circumstances.
Conditions requested: clear width of 2000 mm; minimum widths of 3000 mm at bus stops and 3500 mm to 4500 mm by shops; crossfall ... maximum acceptable 2.5 per cent (1 in 40); guardrails and barriers ... at least 1100 mm high; preferably 1200 mm; guardrails should be clearly colour contrasted; joints ... not less than 2 mm and not more than 5 mm wide; maximum deviation ... under a 1 metre straight edge should not exceed 3 mm; maximum size of openings in covers and gratings should be 13 mm; surfaces should be firm, slip-resistant (dry friction between 35 and 45); dished channels should not be incorporated within pedestrian routes
Disability Access Officer
No Commentthe Committee have granted to my office interested party status for all applications submitted by public bodies. The above application, I believe falls into that category.
The original application by the Department of Education for a new pedestrian access at Ballaquayle School was approved by the Planning Committee on 29 August 2003 and confirmed on review on 31 October 2003, despite objections from neighbours Mr & Mrs Highy on highway safety and residential amenity grounds. The appellants argued that the new access would shift congestion towards Bray Hill junction, increase dangers on the rat-run Stoney Road lacking traffic calming, and harm their privacy with added noise, litter and disturbance. The applicants and Committee countered that it would dilute congestion at the existing access near Malvern Road junction, improve road safety as supported by the Highway Authority and Minister of Transport, with minimal amenity impact 30m from appellants' garden. The inspector found that spreading parking would reduce hazards at the congested junction and any additional noise/disturbance on the principal traffic route would be minor and short-lived, not justifying refusal. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the approval.
Precedent Value
This appeal shows highway safety benefits for school access, backed by technical authorities, can override neighbour amenity objections on busy routes if harm is demonstrably minor/short-term. Future applicants should prioritise quantified safety evidence and authority support over un-evidenced alternatives.
Inspector: J Trevor Graham
