22 January 2018 · Committee
Lorne House, Douglas Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1az
Permission was granted for the additional use of Lorne House in Castletown as an educational and visitor centre with function space and catering facilities within the existing building. The application was decided by committee and permitted on 22 January 2018. Lorne House is a three-storey building set within formal grounds, lying between Bridge Street and School Lane. The site includes a hard-surfaced lane, open fields to the north, a kitchen garden to the south, and formal grounds to the south-west. The main planning considerations identified in the officer report were the potential impact on the character and importance of the building and its setting, whether the site could handle increased traffic and parking demand, and any effects on neighbouring residents.
The application was permitted by committee on 22 January 2018. The officer recommended approval, and the key planning questions centred on whether the additional use would harm the character of the building and its setting, whether traffic and parking could be accommodated, and whether neighbouring properties would be adversely affected.
Conservation Areas
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
Registered Buildings
The change of use of Registered Buildings will only be permitted if the proposed use is appropriate and any alterations associated with the change are not detrimental to its character
Environment Policy 33: The change of use of Registered Buildings will only be permitted if the proposed use is appropriate and any alterations associated with the change are not detrimental to its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. 7.28 Traditional Building Materials 7.28.1 Traditional building materials can be classified as stone for walls , slates for roofs and softwood for window frames. Local materials help to form the character of settlements in the Island. For example, sandstone was a common building material in the development of much of the older parts of Peel and limestone was historically used in Castletown. Whilst the original sources of some materials are no longer operating, reclaimed material from old buildings is often available. Such re-use will be particularly encouraged where sites are to be redeveloped and there is evide nce of material on site which can be recycled and reused. It will, however, not be appropriate to demolish historic buildings merely to reclaim usable materials. Another important aspect when attempting to retain the historic building stock is the use of the most appropriate mortar; common across the Island's built environment has been the use of lime-based mortar and washes.
USE
In considering a proposal for change of use of a registered building, the principal aim should be to identify the optimum viable use that is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the building
POLICY RB/4 USE In considering a proposal for change of use of a registered building, the principal aim should be to identify the optimum viable use that is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the building, all of which affect its special character as a building of merit. An applicant will have to illustrate that the effect of any proposed changes upon the architectural and historic interest of the building will be minimised.
Transport Policies
Strategic Plan policies
