Officer Planning Report Recommendation

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:124088}} {{table:124089}} {{table:124090}} {{table:124091}} ### Considerations {{table:124092}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations ### Policy

Officer's Report

Site / Proposals

The application proposes the change of use of the ground floor from retail to a general insurance broker at 29 Duke Street, Douglas. The property is part of a row of terraced properties which in between Victoria Street to the north and Lord Street to the south. The site has been zoned under the Douglas Local Plan Order 1998 as an area of predominantly shopping use.

The current use of some of the near-by properties consists of two estate agents, offices above the shop/s, travel agents, cafes, restaurants and various shops (shoes, food & antiques), all of which are zoned under the Douglas Plan as predominantly shopping use.

Consultations

The Public Works Committee of Douglas Corporation has considered the application and has no objection.

The Department of Transport views are that the proposal will have no adverse traffic impacts.

The Disability Access Office have commented on the application and stated that, the entrance should be accessible to an unassisted wheelchair user. All serving counters should contain a least one section suitable for wheelchair users.

We have received no privately written representations objecting to the application.

Assessment / Recommendation

Although the site is located within an area of predominantly shopping, there are a number of examples of non-retail uses within the area, and to refuse the application on the grounds I believe would be very harsh. The site is adjacent to properties which have been zoned as predominantly office use, in which there are retail units, therefore the property although zoned in the Local Plan as shopping use would seem to be acceptable in this location. Therefore my recommendation is for an approval.

I consider that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status:

The Department of Transport, The Douglas Corporation.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 06.02.2006

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2.

This approval relates to the submitted documents and drawing AT 771.1 and AT 771.2 all received on 6th December 2005.

N 1.

The entrance should be accessible to an unassisted wheelchair user. All serving counters should contain a least one section suitable for wheelchair users.

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular Nos 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control) and 47/05 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer)

Decision Made : Permitted Date : 7/2/06

Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control