Design Description Statement

Design Description

Planning approval currently exists for a single storey extension to the east side of the property. (PA. 08/01137 - Dated 31 July 2008). The scheme extended the original garage and provided a second garage within a new extension. The extension was of traditional construction with a steeply pitched roof using artificial slates to match the existing roof. See attached copies of the approved scheme.

The new owners have viewed the scheme and feel that while they would have two garages, the original approval did nothing to improve the ground floor living accommodation. Currently this consists of a bedroom, bathroom and a single open-plan space that forms the kitchen, dining \& living room.

The proposal is to retain the approved garage extension, but modify the roof so that it is less obtrusive for the neighbours at High Ridge. This extension would also be linked to a new entrance porch, which is needed due to the exposed nature of the property. The original garage would be converted to provide a separate living room.

An additional single storey extension is proposed to the side (west) elevation which will open up on to a small patio area and provide views out over Port Erin. A high level window is provided in the gable of the elevation to maximise evening sunlight. Due to the high level of the window ( 2400 mm from the floor up to the window cill height) there should be no issues of overlooking of the neighbouring property. In fact this improves the current situation where the existing kitchen window looks directly towards the neighbouring property. However if this is an issue, the applicant would have no objection to glazing the gable window with opaque glass.

The scheme has been discussed with the planning officer, Sarah Corlett, who felt that the new proposal does not make a significant impact on the neighbouring properties and the revised garage roof is arguably less intrusive.

The applicant has discussed the new proposals with both neighbours. Following the construction work, the applicant will endeavour to reinstate any planting or fencing along the boundaries to ensure the current level of privacy is maintained between the properties