**Document:** Officer Planning Report **Application:** 11/00845/C — Change of use of unit to an indoor climbing facility **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2011-08-05 **Parish:** Braddan **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/1191-braddan-pulrose-road-change-of-use-doors/documents/1250782 --- # Officer Planning Report ## Planning Report And Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Written Representations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Consultations [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Officer's Report THE APPLICATION IS BEFORE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR DETERMINATION AS THE PROPOSED USE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAND USE DESIGNATION #### The Site The application site is the curtilage of Unit 4B, Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas which is a vacant industrial unit which has an existing use as a warehouse/industrial unit/vehicle repair. The site is situated to the south eastern side of Pulrose Golf Course. #### The Proposal The application seeks approval for the change of use to an indoor climbing facility. The main opening times would be Monday to Thursday 6:30pm – 10:30pm and Saturday and Sunday 10:30am – 5:30pm. Club members may utilise the facilities on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It would also be available for private hire on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. In addition to these hours, it may open briefly during the working day for schools sports lessons, during Bank Holidays, Student Games Week and TT fortnight. ## Planning History The previous planning applications are not considered to be specifically material in the assessment of the current application. ## Development Plan Policies The application site is in an area zoned as "Light Industrial" identified on the Douglas Local Plan 1998. ## Consultations Highways Division do not oppose as it has no adverse traffic management, parking or road safety implications. The pay and display car park at the NSC could be used for overflow car parking. Douglas Corporation has no objections The owner/occupier of 15 Cronk-y-Berry supports the application and has made the following comments: The opening of an indoor facility would provide beginners with a safe environment in which to learn and practice skills essential to the sport. It will also help to promote the sport of rock climbing on the Island. ## Assessment The main issues of this site which need to be considered are: - Land use - Highways/parking ### Land Use The site is zoned for "Light Industrial" identified on the Douglas Local Plan 1998. The proposed use does not conform to the land use designation i.e. Indoor Climbing Facility. Having spoken to Mr David Watson in the Commercial section at Chrystals Estate Agents, he has indicated that the application site has been marketed for well in excess of 9 months and that there has been limited interest in the site. It is appropriate to consider whether the use of the site as an Indoor Climbing Facility would be acceptable in this area. As mentioned above the site is currently vacant. The use of the site would be outside normal working hours. It is considered that the proposed use would not conflict with other uses in the surrounding area. ### Highways/Parking There are 13 parking spaces which are associated with the unit; the Strategic Plan requires that in the case of assembly and leisure developments one space per fifteen square metres of gross floor space is required. The building provides 240 sq m of floor area which would result in a requirement for sixteen parking spaces. It is considered that there is a pay and display car park at the NSC which could be used for any overspill, but as the use of the site would be outside of normal working hours, it is likely that there will be at least three parking spaces available on the estate road. It is therefore considered that the parking would be acceptable. For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval. ### Party Status The local authority, Douglas Corporation 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 and Traffic 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. The owner/occupier of 15 Cronk-y-Berry, Douglas is not directly affected by the proposal and as such should not be afforded party status. ### Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 19.07.2011 ### 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 permission relates to the change of use of unit to an indoor climbing facility as shown in drawings Location Plan, Floor Plan and Elevation received 22nd June 2011. I confirm that this decision has been made by the Planning Committee in accordance with the authority afforded to it under the Town and Country (Development Procedure) 2005 Decision Made : A Committee Meeting Date : 4/8/11 Signed : Sohaiett Presenting Officer Further to the decision of the Committee an additional report/condition reason is required. Signing Officer to delete as appropriate ☐ YES ☑ NO --- *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/1191-braddan-pulrose-road-change-of-use-doors/documents/1250782*