7 June 2011 · Delegated
St Germans Cathedral, Derby Road, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1hh
Permission was granted for a landscaping scheme at the grounds of St German's Cathedral in Peel, Isle of Man. The scheme included the erection of an electricity substation, a replica keeill and hermit's cell, and a bus shelter lay-by. The Cathedral is a Registered Building and its grounds are largely laid to lawn with mature trees along the southern boundary. The northern half of the grounds suffers from wear caused by car parking. The application was considered alongside a related listed building consent application (11/00024/CON). The main planning issues assessed were the impact on the Registered Building, the Conservation Area, the highway, and the surrounding area.
The application was approved by the Senior Planning Officer under delegated authority. The key planning considerations were the impact on the Registered Building (St German's Cathedral), the surrounding Conservation Area, and the highway. The proposal was found acceptable in relation to all of these. The formal decision record lists 2 conditions.
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted.
It is judged that overall the proposal would enhance the setting of the Cathedral in accordance with EP32.
Environment Policy 32: Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted. 7.27 Change of Use of Registered Buildings 7.27.1The best use for a Registered Building is usually the use for which the building was designed. However, it is recognised that it is often necessary to look for a new use to secure the economic future of the b uilding. It is important therefore that any new use is appropriate and that physical alterations are sensitive to its character. (1) Curtilage is defined in Appendix 1
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development.
It is concluded that overall the works would enhance the Conservation Area in accordance with EP35.
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
it is recommended that the application be approved as it is considered to comply with policies RB/3 and RB/5
POLICY RB/5 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Registered building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals. Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence.
GENERAL CRITERIA APPLIED IN CONSIDERING REGISTERED BUILDING APPLICATIONS
it is recommended that the application be approved as it is considered to comply with policies RB/3 and RB/5
POLICY RB/3 General criteria applied in considering registered building applications The issues that are generally relevant to the consideration of all registered building applications are:- • The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity, relative to the Island as a whole and within the local context; • The particular physical features of the building (which may include its design, plan, materials or location) which justify its inclusion in the register; descriptions annexed to the entry in the register may draw attention to features of particular interest or value, but they are not exhaustive and other features of importance, (e.g. Interiors, murals, hidden fireplaces) may come to light after the building's entry in the register; • The building's setting and its contribution to the local scene, which may be very important, e.g. Where it forms an element in a group, park, garden or other townscape or landscape, or where it shares particular architectural forms or details with other buildings nearby (including other registered buildings).
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 3
Prior to the use of the car park the vehicular access from Derby Road must be widened as shown by PL217/10A Revision A.
Renovation, alterations and erection of extensions to Corrin Hall
concurrent application
Erection of a dwelling within grounds
Alterations to north entrance, introduction of paving setts, forming new steps and disabled ramp, relocation of car parking (with additional spaces and landscaping) and relocation of lamp post and flag pole