6 October 2020 · Delegated
Ballacree Farm, Ronague Road, Ballabeg, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 4hf
Permission was granted for extensions and the replacement of an existing porch at Ballacree Farm, Ballabeg, on the Isle of Man. The property is a former farmhouse that has been extended and altered over time and connected to an adjacent stone barn, resulting in a building with a mix of styles, finishes, and window types. It sits around 130 metres back from Ronague Road and is largely hidden behind roadside vegetation, meaning it is not easily seen from the road or other public viewpoints. The application was decided by delegated authority and approved with one condition.
The application was permitted by delegated decision. The dwelling sits approximately 130 metres back from the main road and is largely screened by roadside vegetation, limiting its visibility from public viewpoints. The proposal to extend the property and replace the existing porch was considered acceptable in this context.
extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside
Strategic Plan 2016
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).
extension of non-traditional dwellings or those of poor or inappropriate form
Strategic Plan 2016
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.
Landscape Character Assessment
Area Plan for the South 2013
peaks of the Northern Uplands from areas of higher ground. Enclosed views up to the surrounding Southern Upland areas and Stoney Mountain Plantation. Ballamodha, Earystane and St Marks (D14) The overall strategy is to conserve and enhance the character, quality and distinctiveness of the area, with its wooded valley bottoms, its strong geometric field pattern delineated by Manx hedges, its numerous traditional buildings and its network of small roads and lanes. The strategy should also include the restoration of landscapes disturbed by former mining activities. Key Views Distant views prevented at times by dense woodland in river valleys and by the cumulative screening effect of hedgerow trees, which tend to create wooded horizons. Open and panoramic views out to sea from the higher areas on the upper western parts of the area where there are few trees to interrupt views. Port Erin and Port St Mary (D15) The overall strategy for the area is to maintain and enhance the character, quality and distinctiveness of the local built vernacular and integrity of th e nucleated settlements of Port Erin, Port St. Mary and Ballagawne 5, the scattered traditional farm dwellings and to maintain the field pattern and semi -upland character of the upper slopes. Key Views Extensive panoramic views from higher ground on hill slopes along coast to the Calf of Man, inland over the Scarlett Peninsula and up the Southern Uplands and Meayll Hill. Port Grenaugh (E1) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of this remote and tranquil coa stal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views and numerous sites of archaeological importance. Key Views Panoramic and open views out to sea from the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, south towards Langness and the Schoo l Tower in Castletown and north up the jagged coastline towards Santon Head. 5 The Landscape Character Assessment identified Ballagawne as a settlement. The identified settlement in the Strategic Plan is Ballafesson therefore the Green Gap proposed is between Port Erin and Ballafesson although the gap between Port Erin and Ballagawne is also seen as an important feature. Bay ny Carrickey (E9) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the tranquil and coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, sites of archaeological importance and to conserve the coastal setting of Port St. Mary. Key Views Extensive, panoramic views from Raad ny Foillan across the sweeping and ever-changing seascape to the south. Open views across the bay, with distant sense of enclosure provided by headlands to the east and west. Open views across adjacent Undulating Lowland Plain to the north. Castletown Bay (E10) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, and to conserve the coastal setting of Castletown. Key Views Extensive, panoramic open views from Raad ny Foillan , views southwards across the ever-changing seascape. Grey stone wall of the harbour, marking the entrance to Castletown, is a landmark within views westwards. Views across the bay contained by protruding headlands to the east and west. Langness (E11) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, and to conserve the tranquil and rugged character of the area with its numerous sites of archaeological importance , such a s the former mines and former smelt mines. Key Views Panoramic, open views across surrounding, ever -changing seascape, from several points along the peninsula, in particular from Dreswick Point (at the southernmost tip). Dramatic views northwards from S t. Michael's Island, along the north eastern shore. Open views across Castletown Bay to the west. Castletown and Ballasalla (F7) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of this open area that contributes to the setting of Castletown and Ballasalla, to enhance the river field pattern and to conserve the aquatic habitat corridor of the Silverburn. Key Views Open and panoramic views out to sea and over Langness' rocky shoreline beyond the Airport. Key views to the prominent landmarks of Castle Rushen and King William's College. Poyll Vaaish and Scarlett Peninsula (F8) The overall strategy is to conserve the strong sense of openness throughout the area, with strong field pattern as well as the setting of th e numerous archaeological sites and wartime structures within the area. Key Views Open and panoramic views out to sea, up to the Southern Upland peaks over open fields and towards the built -up areas of Castletown and Ballasalla are obtained from various slightly eleva
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.