Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK has disagreed with an independent planning inspector over whether approval be granted to convert 1 Dale Street, Ramsey, from an office to a fish and chip shop.
The application by Market Plaice Ltd, which currently operates Bourne Plaice chip shop, was initially approved, but an appeal was lodged by Mr and Mrs Miles Hardman, who live next door at 3 Dale Street, and who expressed worries about cooking odours and noise from the ventilation system.
The inspector found in favour of the couple, concluding that the proposal, as submitted, would be like to cause ‘significant harm’ to their living conditions, in terms of both noise and odours, which would affect sensitive areas of the dwelling, including the master bedroom and patio.
He suggested that if planning approval were upheld, it should be on condition that full details of the proposed ventilation and odour control system, along with full elevation drawings, should be submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority. The condition should also require the installation and retention of the approved system and its operation and maintenance, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Mr Gawne formally disagreed with the inspector’s recommendation. He considered that that if a high level of odour control was practicably achievable by implementation of a ventilation and odour control system there would no adverse impact on neighbouring properties.
He directed that approval be granted ‘in the interests of public amenity’, subject to the specific conditions relating to noise and odour control.
Ramsey Commissioners said Mr Gawne’s decision flew in the face of the inspector’s ‘very clearly reasoned, coherent and logical report’.
Richard Radcliffe said: ‘I feel it is bad practice and we should challenge it’.
It was agreed to write to Mr Gawne, asking for an explanation.
