Braddan Local Plan Policy 2.5
Source: Ape Written Statement
on increases. As part of a long-term sustainable approach to designing resilient urban space, Douglas and Laxey especially will have to plan carefully for increasing dramatic weather events.
6.2.5 While the urban environments of the East have their share of problems to be addressed, they also accommodate opportunities: advances in transport technology, especially electric vehicles, will have an impact on the streetscape as charging points become a requisite. This must be accommodated alongside the infrastructure required for the roll out of 5G communication technologies. The development of Douglas harbour into a deep berth has the potential to broaden our tourism offer significantly with impacts on the infrastructure of the Capital and the East more widely. Higher tourist numbers would help to support a distinctive local offer within core retail areas and contribute to dynamic and vibrant town centres. Opportunities are also recognised in the form of the identification of Comprehensive Treatment Areas (see Map 5 and 6 and Chapter 13).
The density of development should be in keeping with the character of the local area. Higher densities will be more appropriate in the central areas of Douglas, Onchan, Laxey and Union Mills. Much of Douglas' celebrated seafront contains four and five storey hotels and apartment blocks which provide a distinctive visual image of the Capital and a highly practical form of space conscious living for a modern town.
Lower densities may be considered more acceptable in instances where there are site specific constraints, a need to provide additional levels of infrastructure or where the current character or appearance of the area necessitates a development of a lower density.
The subdivision of buildings for residential use can provide an appropriate source of housing and can lead to the more efficient use of existing buildings. Subject to other Strategic Policies, as well as the Proposals in this Plan, particularly in relation to amenity and the design of any alterations to allow the subdivision, such proposals will be supported.
In recent years, the Douglas town centre in particular has lost some of its population. The town effectively empties after the working day. Historically, people lived above the work spaces of shops, offices and workshops in Douglas creating a vibrancy that is perhaps lacking today. This Plan encourages the reintroduction of people living in the mostly vacant floors above the town's shops and offices. More people living in the town will, it is hoped, create a more vibrant environment which will have a positive impact upon the day time and particularly, the night time economy within the town and will also enable us to respond to changes in new and emerging working patterns.
For Government owned land in the East which is vacant or underused, it is recommended that Departments work together to clarify issues including direction, preferred uses, funding mechanisms, timing, the role of the private sector and connectivity to other uses and sites, in line with the Vision set out in this Plan. The achievement of cooperation and skills development will assist in the process of optimising the potential of all vacant and underused sites. Regard should be had to the recommendations contained within the Report of the Select Committee of Tynwald on the Development of Unoccupied Urban Sites 2017-2018 and sub
9
Citations
28.6%
Approval Rate
2016
Peak Year
Braddan
Top Parish
Application for the removal of condition 4 of planning permission 23/01021/B
Change of use from storage, distribution, and general industrial use (Classes 2.3 and 2.4) to include additional retail use (class 1.1)
Change of use of part of upper floor from office use and meeting room to food retail and preparation of food products for retail at the premises
Alterations, creation of a mezzanine floor to provide a veterinary surgery, pet grooming and related facilities, installation of eight air conditioning units, gas bottle storage unit, fire door, external staircase and amendments to existing roller shutter door
Conversion of existing buildings from warehouse & light industrial to display, distribution, warehousing and sales of industrial / automotive products, creation of vehicular access and additional car parking and erection of fencing and boundary bollards
Conversion of industrial unit to additionally provide facilities for the preparation, delivery and takeaway sale of hot and cold food, creation of a café area and alterations to parking layout
Change of use from warehouse and manufacturing to display / distribution and sales of industrial / automotive products and warehousing
Construction of internal mezzanine floor to increase retail floor space
Construction of roof to Viking Longhouse and demolition of Quirks Coal Yard, Smithy Building, rear extension to Harbour View, single garage and cottages and entrance porch to Harbour View (Enabling works to PA 05/01363)