Erection of two storey extension to provide additional ancillary living accommodation

Environment Policy 2

protection of the character of the landscape

d/Governor 's Road junction. Any future applications will be considered on their merits taking into account the proposals set out in this plan and the Strategic Plan (see Maps 3 and 6). Natural Environment Proposal 2 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Douglas and Onchan in the area straddling Blackberry Lane, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements will not normally be supported. Applications may be considered favourably if reason for an exception can be demonstrated in line with General Policy 3(g). Laxey and Baldrine - Encroaching ribbon development along the A2 C oast Road which connects Laxey and Baldrine has the potential to connect the two settlements. At present this area largely retains its sense of being in the open countryside with clear sea views. Additionally, services for networked water supply and other essential utilities would be difficult to provide for additional development in this area (see Maps 3, 7 and 9). Natural Environment Proposal 3 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Laxey and Baldrine, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements will not be supported. Glen Vine and Crosby - These two settlements, although proximate in location, are separate and distinct in many ways. Consultation has clearly demonstrated this through the views expressed during the stages of plan development. In cases such as this, the breaks in the urban fabric and the features of nature which provide a sense of openness should be protected from development which would erode this (see Maps 3 and 10). Natural Environment Proposal 4 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Glen Vine and Crosby, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. Douglas, Union Mills and Strang (see Maps 3, 4 and 8) Natural Environment Proposal 5 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of and Douglas, Union Mills and Strang, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. The Upland Environment The Manx Uplands are an iconic part of our landscape and heritage. Reference to the 'sweet mountain air' and 'green hills and rocks' are enshrined in our national anthem and the colours of the heather and gorse are woven into the very fabric of Manx tartan. The hills are a place of great beauty, yet for some they are also a place to work and for others a place to exercise or simply enjoy open space. Our Uplands are also home to plants and animals that whilst familiar to us, are rare and impor tant in a global and European context. Furthermore, the uplands are a rich repository of cultural and archaeological remains, which are sensitive to change and can easily be damaged by inappropriate development. Production of food is an important and obvi ous function of hill land. But surprisingly, the Manx hills provide everyday functions that most people take for granted. Peatlands, which cover most of our hills reduce the impacts of climate change by locking up carbon dioxide, collect and filter our drinking water and slow the passage of rainfall into streams and rivers, thus reducing downstream flood risk. These multiple uses are of great benefit to the economy of the Isle of Man and the well - being of its people. It is important that the hills continue to provide these benefits long into the future. Ensuring sustainable management of such a wide range of uses to the satisfaction of all interested parties whilst retaining functions essential to the well -being of the Isle of Man is of paramount importance. The Isle of Man Government is the owner and landlord for the majority of the Uplands in the East region and is therefore in a position to implement policy which will deliver the optimum range of ecosystem services. Appropriate and positive Upland management such as controlled rotational burning/cutting of heather and low intensity grazing helps to reduce the fuel load of the hill, provides firebreaks and reduces the risk of unplanned wildfires that further protects the biodiversity of the site, but also the vast amounts of carbon locked away in the peat soils. The majority of this work is carried out by The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture's grazing and shooting tenants. The Manx Uplands are critically important from a habitat and biodiversity perspective. The hills in the East support a significant number of breeding hen harriers; however, other native Upland breeding birds such as curlew and red grouse have suffered severe declines in recent decades and as such are of high conservation concern. Strict control of access and recreational activity on vulnerable soils should be implemented to reduce soil erosion and subsequent carbon loss. Curlew and hen harriers are recognised as an internationally important species, while (within the EU) upland heather moorland is designated

Housing Policy 15

extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties

Housing Policy 15: 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

extension of non-traditional dwellings

Housing Policy 16: 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. 8.13 Conversion of Buildings to Flats 8.13.1 There are in the Island, and particularly in Douglas, many substantial buildings which, because of their size or form, are no longer suitable for the originally intended use as either single dwellings or holiday accommodation, but which are still structur ally sound. The Department has for many years encouraged the conversion of such buildings, where appropriate, into flats. 8.13.2 The size, layout, occupancy, etc., of flats are controlled by the Housing (Flats) Regulations 1982. However, all flats should also have a good external environment, characterised by - (a) a pleasant, clear outlook, particularly from the principal room(s) of the flat and (b) access to external space for the purpose of clothes-drying, refuse storage, car-parking, and general amenity. 8.13.3 Many buildings which are generally suitable for conversion into flats not only have very little space around them, but also have an annex or "outlet" at the rear. The Department may require the demolition, in total or in part, of such "outlets" even where the immediate use of the cleared space may not be possible, for example where more than one rear annex may be needed to be removed to gain access or highway work such as road widening may be required to make the cleared space useful. Such demolition will: (a) remove accommodation which has a poor environment and limited outlook; (b) permit the creation of parking space; and (c) assist in admitting light and air to the rear of the building proper. Where such demolition is not so required, the accommodation must generally be organised so that every flat has an outlook from the front of the building, and so that no flat is contained entirely within an "outlet". Exception may be made to this general approach where the environment at, and the outlook from, the rear are pleasant and open.

Policy 13.3 - Braddan Local Plan 1991

h west of Johnny Watterson's Lane Site Numbers Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation DM001s, DH002s, DH057s, DH003s and DH010s Northwest of Johnny Watterson's Lane 13.32, 7, 23.54 ha, 14.80, 0.43, 0.06 3, 4, 6, 8 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 302) "The scale of their potential development would probably be excessive in relation to the immediate need for additional housing. Accordingly, I consider that they should be shown in the Area Plan as Strategic Reserve Sites. Their combined gross area is about 58ha. Applying discounts to allow for roads and structural landscaping, and for the provision of community facilities, including recreational open space, a neighbourhood centre and a primary school site, that should leave a potential developable area of more than 30ha. At a density of 20dpha, there would be space for approximately 600 dwellings." Development Brief 1. The sites would provide for a sustainable urban extension to Douglas. Their development potential is significant and provides an opportunity to create a new community. 2. They shall be developed in accordance with a Masterplan for the whole of the urban extension area. This would include details of proposed phasing; areas of public open space; arrangements for safe access; sustainable transport options which recognise the need to encourage active travel; substantial structural landscaping buffers; and consideration of appropriate community facilities, including a primary school, health care provision, retail facilities, and recreational open space. 3. The combined developme nt should include provision for about 600 dwellings, and consideration should be given to the inclusion of specialist housing for elderly people. 4. The main access points to the development shall be from Johnny Watterson's Lane. 5. The public footpath that crosses part of the site must be integrated into the proposed development. 6. Development proposals must take account of the sloping nature of the land and any detailed planning applications must include section drawings across the site. 7. An Environmental Impact Assessment shall be submitted with any application for development of this site. Land to the north of Vicarage Road Site Numbers Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation BH015s and BH019s Woodstock and Fairway and Hilltop Nurseries, Vicarage Road 0.48 ha, 0.62 ha 3, 4 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Land to the southwest of Ellenbrook Estate Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 441) "On balance, I consider that these sites should be treated as a strategic reserve for residential development in the Area Plan. A development brief should require that they be developed together in accordance with a masterplan; that access should be from the existing roundabout adjacent to site BH019; and that the sites should provide an a ggregate of about 15 dwellings." Development Brief 1. The two sites would provide for a strategic reserve for residential development. 2. They shall be developed in accordance with a Masterplan for the whole of the site. This should include details of proposed phasing , areas of public open space and landscaping, arrangements for safe access and sustainable transport options which recognise the need to encourage active travel. 3. The combined development should include provision for no more than around 15 dwellings. 4. The access to the development shall be from the existing roundabout adjacent to Site BH019. 5. An application must be accompanied by suitable supporting environmental information. Site Number Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation DH008s Land adjacent to Ellenbrook, Douglas 5.41 ha 3, 4 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 466) "Development of this site would undoubtedly result in a loss of countryside, and have a visual impact which some local residents may find regrettable. However, in my view, it would have considerable advantages in terms of sustainability. I recommend that Site DH008 should be shown in the Area Plan as strategic reserve land for possible future residential development." Development Brief 1. The site shall be used for predominantly residential uses. 2. There are no other specific development brief requirements associated with this site as adequate guidance is set out by the Isle of Man Strategic Plan Policies and the Proposals set out in this Plan. Land north of Ballachrink, Onchan Site Number Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation OH011s Land at Ballachrink, Onchan 9.9 ha 3, 4 and 6 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 330) "I do not consider that this extension to the urban area of Onchan would be immediately necessary. However, in my view, Site OH011 could contribute to the provision of ad