23 February 2022 · Delegated - Head of Development Management (Stephen Butler)
Car Park, Lord Street, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 1lq
The proposal involves removing existing car park barriers and installing a new 2.4m high galvanised metal mesh gate with black powder coating for both vehicles (3500x2400mm openings) and pedestrians at the Manx Utilities multi-storey car park on Lord Street in Douglas town centre.
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The key consideration was the impact on the character and streetscene, where the industrial-looking 2.4m high metal mesh gate would strengthen the industrial feel of the area compared to the existing …
Strategic Policy 4
Requires proposals to protect or enhance the fabric and setting of conservation areas. The gate's industrial appearance next to two conservation areas was assessed as negatively impacting character, but security benefits tipped the balance.
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site and surroundings in scale/form/design, not adversely affect townscape character or amenity, and consider safety/security. The proposal's visual harm was acknowledged but outweighed by security gains, leading to overall compliance.
Strategic Policy 3 - To respect the character of our towns and villages
Focuses on visual design taking account of local character, materials and identity. The black-finished metal mesh gate was noted as industrial and strengthening negative character, contrary to town-centre setting.
Environment Policy 36
Permits development outside but close to conservation area boundaries only if not detrimentally affecting important views. Assessed as compliant overall despite negative character impact near North Quay and Athol Street/Victoria Street Conservation Areas.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Materials - black finish
All parts of the gate shall be finished in black and retained as such thereafter. Reason: to minimise the impact on the character and streetscene of the area.
no objection to this application
does not oppose this application
no flood risk management interest in this application
Three statutory consultees (Douglas Borough Council, Highways Division, and Flood Risk Management Division) all raised no objections to the proposed alterations and new vehicle/pedestrian entrance gate.
Douglas Borough Council
No ObjectionDouglas Borough Council has no objections.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionHighway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and /or parking.; The Applicant is advised to consider an electric vehicle charging points.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Flood Risk Management Division
No ObjectionNFRMI; No Flood Risk Management interest
