**Document:** Officer Planning Report **Application:** 11/00173/B — Widening of driveway and access onto highway **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2011-03-18 **Parish:** Braddan **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/525-union-mills-30-ashlar/documents/1161598 --- # Officer Planning Report ## Planning Report And Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Written Representations ### Consultations [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Officer's Report #### The Site The application site represents the curtilage of an existing semi-detached dwelling, 30 Ashlar Drive, Union Mills, Braddan. The dwelling is located within a residential area to the south of Peel Road, near to the Railway Station Public House. The site includes front and rear gardens and there is a driveway to the front of the house. The ground level of the front garden slopes down from the highway to the house. Therefore, the driveway is located on a slope. #### The Proposal This proposal is to widen the existing driveway and access onto the highway. The existing driveway and kerb entrance are 3.1 metres wide. It is proposed to increase these, so that they are 5.2 metres wide. The existing driveway would be extended to include the flowerbeds to the east and a grassed area to the west. Part of the front wall would be removed, in order to allow the increased width. The steps from the pavement to the front door would be retained. ## PLANNING HISTORY Although the site has been subject to previous planning applications, none of these are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application. ## DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES The application site is located within an area designated as Predominantly Residential Use in the Braddan Parish District Local Plan, Plan No. 2 (Central), 1991. The site is not located within a Conservation Area. Due to the land use designation and the nature of the proposed development, the relevant planning policy from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 is General Policy 2. CONSULTATIONS The Department of Infrastructure Highways Division do not oppose this application, subject to the condition that the applicant shall contact their Network Operations Section (tel. 686665) prior to carrying out any works within the highway, including the installation of dropped kerbs. Braddan Parish Commissioners have not responded to this application. REPRESENTATIONS No written responses have been received from the general public. ## ASSESSMENT This proposal would increase the width of an existing driveway, thereby providing space for two vehicles. From visiting the site, it was noticed that the existing driveway slopes down from the highway and has a brick wall to either side. It is therefore considered that the proposed alterations would improve the existing layout by providing more space to manoeuvre and park a second vehicle. The adjacent properties have existing driveways, which were noticed to be wider than that of the application site. The site is a residential area and it is judged that this proposal to increase the size of an existing drive would not adversely affect the street scene or the character of the property. RECOMMENDATION For the above reasons, this proposal is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval. ## PARTY STATUS The local authority is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (c) and (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status. The Department of Transport Highways Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance. Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 11.03.2011 ## Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal C: Conditions for approval N: Notes attached to conditions R: Reasons for refusal O: 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 widening of driveway and access onto highway, as shown in drawing numbers Cook 1, Cook 2/2 and Cook 2/1, all date stamped 11 February 2011. --- I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer. Decision Made: Permitted Date: 14/3/11 Signed: [Signature] Senior Planning Officer --- *Data sourced from the Isle of Man public planning register under the [Isle of Man Open Government Licence](https://www.gov.im/about-this-site/open-government-licence/).* *Canonical page: https://planningportal.im/a/525-union-mills-30-ashlar/documents/1161598*