3.1 ODC 03.06.13 IN PUBLIC Minutes of the ordinary meeting of the ONCHAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS (focus group Environmental and Technical Services) held in the Boardroom, Willow House, Main Road, Onchan, on Monday 3rd June 2013 at 7.00 p.m. Present: Mr R. Callister (Chairman) Mr D. Crellin (Lead Member for Environmental and Technical Services) Mrs J. Kelly (Lead Member for Properties and Amenities) Mr J.F.J. Quaye (Lead Member for Finance and General Purpose) Miss K. Williams Mr R. Turton Apologies: Mr D.A. Scambler (Vice-Chairman) Ms A.S. Dentith (Personal Assistant) In Attendance: Mr P.M. Hulme (Chief Executive) Mr T.R. Craig (Deputy Clerk) Mr B.T. Price (District Surveyor) C13/06/01/01 TO CHOOSE A PERSON TO PRESIDE IF THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN BE ABSENT Not necessary. C13/06/01/02 BUSINESS REQUIRED TO BE DEALT WITH BY STATUTE BEFORE ANY OTHER BUSINESS None. C13/06/01/03 MINUTES 1. Ordinary meeting held on 20th May 2013 The minutes of the public section of the ordinary meeting held on 20th May 2013, copies of which having previously been circulated, were considered. Members noted that Mr Scambler was shown as being in the list of attendees twice, and the second entry was struck out. Subject to the above amendment, it was proposed by Mr Quaye, seconded by Mrs Kelly, and it was unanimously RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a correct record of proceedings and were signed by the Chairman. C13/06/01/04 BUSINESS ARISING NOT REFERRED TO IN THE MINUTES OF ANY SPECIAL COMMITTEES 1. C13/05/03/04(1) - Onchan Park - Playground A member noted from their visit that the new play equipment at Onchan Park looked very smart and was being very well patronised. Page 1 3.1 ODC 03.06.13 IN PUBLIC 2. Official Opening of Onchan Park Play Equipment It was confirmed that the new play equipment would be officially opened on 15th June 2013 at 2 p.m. by the Chairman. Miss Williams extended her apologies as she had a conflicting commitment. The Chief Executive confirmed that a list of activities had been agreed and was being progressed to accompany the opening, and that there would be advertising in the local press and on the radio. Following brief discussion, on the proposal of Mr Quaye, seconded by Mrs Kelly, it was RESOLVED that the budget for the additional attractions be £310. For : Mr Crellin, Mrs Kelly, Mr Quaye and Mr Callister Against : Mr Turton, Miss Williams 3. Property Management The Chairman advised members that he had had a meeting with Mr David McNeil of DeanWood and would report further In Committee. C13/06/01/05 BUSINESS ADJOURNED FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING None. C13/06/01/06 BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE TO BE DONE None. C13/06/01/07 PLANNING DECISIONS/COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE 1. Plans to the Board (a) The following plans were considered by the Board. It was proposed by Mr Crellin, seconded by Mr Quaye and unanimously RESOLVED that the following planning applications be recommended for approval:- PA 13/00544 14 Windermere Avenue Proposed single storey utility room extension to the rear of the property. Does not overlook neighbouring properties. PA 13/00567 36 King Edward Park Proposed amendments to previously approved application altering window design and balustrading. The principle design remains unchanged. PA 13/00574 8 Whitebridge Road Proposed single storey sun lounge to the rear of the property. Does not overlook neighbouring properties. PA 13/00580 27 Birch Hill Crescent Retrospective application for the removal of a chimney stack. PA 13/00583 1 Strathallan Park Proposed extension to the side of the property filling in the current gap between the dwelling and the garage. The ground floor is a breakfast room with a Page 2 3.1 ODC 03.06.13 IN PUBLIC new master bedroom in the roof space over. PA 13/00593 Cliff Cottage, Carrs Application for approval in principle for the erection Lane, Tromode of two dwellings on the site. There is a previous approval for this development which is coming to the end of its approval limit. PA 13/00599 39 Seafield Crescent Proposed replacement conservatory roof with lightweight tiled panels (b) The following plans were considered by the Board. (i) PA 13/00534, 145 & 147 Royal Avenue, Proposed demolition of existing buildings and replacement with a two storey block of four one bedroom apartments with associated car parking. This is a resubmission of a previously refused application addressing the reasons for refusal. ODC previous recommendation Approval. The above application was discussed by the Board, and the District Surveyor gave an update on the parking provision with reference to flats. A member registered their concern that there did not appear to be sufficient parking for the proposed development. It was proposed by Mr Crellin, seconded by Mr Quaye and RESOLVED that PA 13/00534, 145 & 147 Royal Avenue, be recommended for approval. For : Mr Callister, Mr Crellin, Mr Quaye, Mr Turton, Miss Williams Against : Mrs Kelly (ii) PA 13/00575, Former Follies Site, Harbour Road – Proposed redevelopment of the site into housing estate of 18 dwellings with associated roads and sewers. First Time Buyer Scheme. Members considered the above application, and during discussion, the District Surveyor confirmed that there were drives provided with each of the properties and the access roads would be 4.8 metres in width. Members expressed a concern that the development appeared over-intensive, and the District Surveyor confirmed that while it was dense it maximised the use of the site. In answer to question, the District Surveyor confirmed that there had been 1 letter of objection from a nearby resident. Following further discussion, it was proposed by Mr Crellin, seconded by Mr Quaye, and RESOLVED that PA 13/00575, Former Follies Site, Harbour Road be recommended for approval. For : Mr Crellin, Mr Quaye, Mr Turton, Mrs Kelly, Miss Williams Against : Mr Callister (iii) Lanjaghan Farm The Chairman declared an interest in planning applications 13/00546 and 13/00547, and took no part in the discussion. In the absence of the Chairman it was unanimously agreed that the Chair be taken by Mr Crellin as Lead Member for Environmental and Technical Services. PA 13/00546, Lanjaghan View, Abbeylands – Application for approval in principle to replace an existing dwelling with a new 20,000ft2 dwelling and provide a new access road to it. Page 3 3.1 ODC 03.06.13 IN PUBLIC The Chairman reminded members that they were considering an application in principle in this instance, and discussion took place during which it was established that members would have a further opportunity to consider the detailed application for this site at a later date. It was noted by members that a number of them had received 3 letters expressing concerns of existing residents regarding access and traffic flow on a country road. Following discussion, members noted that there was nothing in the application confirming that the proposed development met the criteria of Housing Policy 12 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, and were advised by the District Surveyor that the lack of information could form grounds to recommend refusal of the application. On the proposal of Mr Crellin, seconded by Mrs Kelly, it was unanimously RESOLVED by the remaining members that PA 13/00546 Lanjaghan View, Abbeylands be recommended for REFUSAL on the basis that there was no evidence to support the development meeting the criteria of Housing Policy 12 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan. PA 13/00547, Lanjaghan Farm, Lanjaghan Road, Abbeylands – Proposed redevelopment of existing farm complex. The District Surveyor advised:- The existing stone farm buildings are to be refurbished into 12 tourist flats with associated leisure facilities including a gym and spa. On a currently undeveloped area of the farm it is proposed to develop a new farm complex comprising of an agricultural farmworkers dwelling, two large sheep barns and other associated barns. Housing Policy 11 states:- “Conversion of existing rural buildings into dwellings may be permitted, but only where: (a) Redundancy for the original use can be established; (b) The building is substantially intact and structurally capable of renovation; (c) The building is of architectural, historic, or social interest; (d) The building is large enough to form a satisfactory dwelling, either as it stands or with modest, subordinate extension which does not affect adversely the character or interest of the building; (e) Residential use would not be incompatible with adjoining established uses or, where appropriate, land-use zonings on the area plan; and (f) The building is or can be provided with satisfactory services without unreasonable public expenditure. Such conversion must: (a) Where practicable and desirable, re-establish the original appearance of the building; and (b) Use the same materials as those in the existing building. Permission will not be given for the rebuilding of ruins or the erection of replacement buildings of similar, or even identical, form. Further extension of converted rural buildings will not usually be permitted, since this would lead to loss or reduction of the original interest and character.” From the detail submitted to support the application it is indicated that the current buildings no longer meet the needs of modern sheep farming. However they are suitable for renovation. It is argued that ‘the reuse of the buildings will bring tourism and additional business to the locality which will help rejuvenate their surroundings and benefit the local area.’ Page 4 3.1 ODC 03.06.13 IN PUBLIC As for the ‘new’ farm complex Housing Police 7 states:- ”New agricultural dwellings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where real agricultural need is demonstrated.” This application deliberately excludes the current farmhouse from the application site (see PA 13/00564).