**Document:** Decision Notice
**Application:** 25/90976/B — Sub-division of light industrial unit into separate storage warehouse and physiotherapists (Class 1.2b - professional services)
**Decision:** Refused
**Decision Date:** 2026-03-19
**Parish:** Malew
**Document Type:** decision / decision_notice
**Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/130600-malew-unit-kb2-harcourt/documents/1592070

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# Decision Notice

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1999 The Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019

In pursuance of powers granted under the above Act, and subordinate Orders and Regulations, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined to REFUSE an application by Mr Terry Crook, Ref 25/90976/B, for the Sub-division of light industrial unit into separate storage warehouse and physiotherapists (Class 1.2b - professional services) at Unit KB2 Harcourt Drive Balthane Ballasalla Isle Of Man IM9 2AH for the following reason(s):

1. The proposal is to sub-divide the existing industrial unit, with the majority of the proposed site being one unit which is compatible with the land zoning and deemed acceptable. The other part of the proposal is a unit situated within Class 1.2 (Financial and Professional Services), which is a non-industrial use within a site zoned for industrial. Insufficient justification has been provided within the application to show that the proposal cannot be viably be done from a Town Centre location with part (c) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2019 stating, "any other service which is appropriate to provide within a shopping area."

Whilst the proposal is potentially utilising an existing site as per Strategic Policy 1, and whilst noting the neighbouring amenity and parking standards are deemed acceptable, the site location is not sustainable and does not meet the core values within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 for sustainability, specifically the main Strategic Aim (page 10) and Strategic Policy 2, the Area Plan for the South Written Statement, specifically paragraphs 6.8.2 - 6.8.5 and Employment Recommendation 1.

Overall the site is designated for industrial, of which the Isle of Man Strategic Plan and Area Plan for the South are specific in the presumption against non-industrial development in such areas unless it can be demonstrated that the use cannot viably be done within a town centre location. The Employment Land Review (2025) reinforces this position, identifying the proliferation of non-industrial uses as a strategic constraint on genuine industrial activity. The proposal does not meet the relevant policy tests and is considered contrary to Business Policy 5 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 and Employment Proposal 1 of the Area Plan for the South.

Date of Issue: 19th March 2026 A MORGAN Interim Director of Planning and Building Control

## Guidance Note

This decision was made by a Principal Planner in accordance with the authority delegated to them.

This decision refers only to that applied for under the Town and Country Planning Act 1999 and its subordinate legislation.

A copy of the Officer’s report and any correspondence which informed the assessment and decision is available to view on the Government’s website (via https://pbc.gov.im/onlineapplications/)

A determination to refuse planning approval does not have effect —

-  if an appeal is submitted until the appeal is determined or withdrawn; or
-  if no appeal is submitted, until the time within which an appeal may be submitted has expired (21 days from the date of this notice).

Appeal Any appeal must be in writing, include the appropriate fee and be submitted to the Department within 21 days of the date of this Notice.

Guidance on how to appeal is available at gov.im/howtoappeal

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*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/130600-malew-unit-kb2-harcourt/documents/1592070*