30 April 2018 · Delegated
Outbuildings, Church Farmhouse, Lane From Malew Road To Church Farm, Great Meadow, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 4eb
The application sought permission to use this detached residential property near Castletown as self-catering tourist accommodation in addition to its existing residential use. The property sits in a rural, detached setting, which the officer considered would significantly reduce any risk of amenity harm to neighbouring residents. Its location was also judged to be well-suited for visitors, being close to the historic centre of Castletown and a number of architecturally notable properties including Great Meadow Mansion House, Billown Mansion House, and the Dolls House. The proposal was found to comply with policy supporting the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation and with the Island's broader strategic approach to tourist development.
The officer concluded that the property's detached and rural character meant there was no meaningful impact on neighbouring amenity. The location was considered attractive for visitors given its proximity to Castletown's historic attractions. The proposal was supported as adding useful and interesting tourist accommodation to the Island's stock, in line with policy BP13 and Strategic Policy 8.
Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality
Strategic Policy 8: Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and man - made attractions. 4.4.5 This policy reflects the general restriction on new development outside defined development zones. Tourist proposals in the countryside will normally be required to meet the above criteria. 4.4.6 Viable and vibrant town and village centres not only provide the opportunity for economic success, but also provide convenient and accessible amenities for all members of the community and an opportunity to obtain renewal of some of our poorer built fabric. Accordingly:
Tourism development must be in accordance with the sustainable development objectives
Business Policy 11: Tourism development must be in accordance with the sustainable development objectives of this plan; policies and designat ions which seek to protect the countryside from development will be applied to tourist development with as much weight as they are to other types of development. Within the rural areas there may be (1) Tourism Strategy 2004 - 2008 Fit for the Future Department of Tourism and Leisure April 2004 situations where existing rural buildings could be used f or tourist use and Environment Policy 16 sets out the circumstances where this may be permitted.
Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation
Business Policy 13: Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such u se would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents.
Tourism development may be permitted in rural areas
quality accommodation in rural areas
Business Policy 14: Tourism development may be permitted in rural areas provided that it complies with the policies in the Plan. Farmhouse accommodation or quality self catering units in barn conversions and making use of rural activities will be encouraged but must comply with General Policy 3 and Business Policies 11 and 12. Other forms of quality accommodation in rural areas will be considered, including the provision of hostels and similar accommodation suitable for walkers but must comply with General Policy 3 and Business Policies 11 and 12.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
