Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:8816}} "The extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside will normally only be approved where these respect the proportion, form and appearance of the existing property. Only exceptionally will permission be granted for extensions which measure more than 50% of the existing building in terms of floor space (measured externally)." Housing Policy 16 states: "The extension of non-traditional dwellings or those of poor or inappropriate form will not generally be permitted where this would increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public." ### Assessment The planning application seeks planning approval for alterations and extensions to the dwelling. The proposed development comprises the erection of a sunroom extension and w.c. extension onto the side of the dwelling. In terms of assessment it can be seen that there is provision for the extension of existing dwellings in the countryside under Housing Policy 15 and 16 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007. Determining which of these two planning policies to apply is dependent on whether the dwelling is of traditional or non-traditional appearance. In this instance the classification of the dwelling as either traditional or non-traditional appearance is not entirely straightforward. The dwelling appears to be a traditional dwelling that has been altered over time, but is still considered to be of an acceptable form. On balance it is concluded to be appropriate to assess the proposal against Housing Policy 16 as the dwelling is now more non-traditional than traditional. The relevant test is therefore whether the proposal would increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public. In this respect the dwelling occupies a relatively isolated position where public views are predominantly from distance and natural screening is afforded from various possible viewpoints through woodland and topography. Given this and that the scale of the proposed alteration and extension is modest in comparison to the overall dwelling it is considered that the proposed development does not increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public. The proposal is concluded to satisfactorily accord with Housing Policy 16. It is recommended that the planning application be approved. ### Party Status It is considered that the following parties that made representations to the planning application should be afforded interested party status: - Laxey Village Commissioners. It is considered that the following parties that made representations to the planning application should not be afforded interested party status: The Department of Infrastructure Highways Division. {{table:8817}} I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Senior Planning Officer. Decision Made : Permitted Date : 11/7/11 Signed : Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Delete as appropriate Signed : Mace Jennifer Chance Senior Planning Officer