Officer Memo on Extension

Department Of Local Government And The Environment ### Memorandum To: Jennifer Chance, Development Control Manager From: Ian Brooks, Planning Officer Subject: Extension of time for PA 03/01473/B - Erection of an office development with parking and associated works to replace existing offices and gymnasium, 39 Finch Road, Douglas Date: 11/11/09 Planning application number 03/01473/B was granted planning permission at appeal on 29th December 2005 subject to conditions. This permission expires on the 29th December 2009. The applicant's agent has requested a time extension of a further 4 years to the permission to allow development to be commenced until 29th December 2013. The agents have stated that "When planning permission was obtained for the proposed office development demand for new office accommodation was too weak to permit funding to be obtained for speculative construction." They have also stated that: "Letting agents Black Grove Cowley were very active in seeking a pre let for the accommodation but despite coming close to achieving a pre let on several occasions, were ultimately unsuccessful. The recent poor financial climate has been a contributory factor together with a low level of demand locally." "Black Grove Cowley are of the opinion that circumstances are now improving and are very confident that fresh demand will soon facilitate the commencement of the development subject to available finance." The main question here is whether there are any special circumstances to justify an extension beyond the existing 4 year permission. The current financial climate is not really a special circumstance to justify an extension to the existing permission. However, if the financial climate improves then having an extant planning permission in place would be an advantage. In respect of the request to extend the permission by a further 4 years, it is considered this appears to be a bit excessive, as circumstances to the development plan may change within this time period. I feel a 2 year extension would be more appropriate. On balance, I recommend that the existing permission be extended by further 2 years. Signed: ______________________________ Date: ______________________________ Signed: ______________________________ Date: ______________________________ Signed: ______________________________ Date: ______________________________ Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager