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Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

HIGHWAYS DEVELOPMENT CONTROL Planning Application Response

Date of Response: 9 December 2021 Date of Application: 22 Nov 2021 Application Reference: 21/01398/C Location Address: 20 St Georges Street Douglas Isle Of Man Description: Continued use of 22 temporary car parking spaces Highways Comments: Highways Development Control notes that this facility has operated as a temporary car park for a number of years with an acceptable layout and without issue. It acknowledges an earlier consent for a multi storey car park associated with an office development under PA16/00835/B and that use as a car park may be considered fitting. Nonetheless, there is no sign of any office or other use coming forward. HDC expresses concern at the number of and continuance of renewals given the directive against such development set out in the "Reform of the Planning System - Programme for Government 2016 - 2021" and the recommendations of the Report of the Select Committee of Tynwald on the Development of Unoccupied Urban Sites (2017-2018) and that the planning condition under PA19/00734/C required car parking operations to cease on 20 September 2020. Additionally, this proposal is at odds with the intent to develop brownfield sites and reduce car based travel into central Douglas. Alternative plans could have been considered in the interim period. Responsibilities on maintenance to the demise do not abate on cessation of uses, and the repair to the boundary wall could have been arranged at least if not undertaken. Accordingly, HDC raises opposition to this proposal. If permitted, it would represent an unsustainable form of development contrary to the COMIN directive and spirit of IOM Strategic Plan, Transport Policy 7.

Recommendation: 0

Code definition: DNO - Do not oppose DNOC - Do not oppose subject to condition NHI - No highways interest O - Oppose.

Email: [email protected] Officer: SH