29 September 2011 · Delegated
Curpheys Croft, St Marks Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3ef
This application sought permission to amend a previously approved scheme (reference 09/01850/B) for converting the remains of a former single-storey cottage and barn on St. Mark's Road, Ballasalla into a dwelling. The amendments related to window details on the barn section. On the front elevation, a window in a new opening was proposed with different frame sections and glazing bar patterns from those approved — the officer noted the approved design was more barn-like, while the proposed alternative was considered more domestic in style. On the rear of the barn section, three approved barn-style windows were also proposed to match the new front window style. Additionally, one of two new windows on the rear of the link between the cottage and barn sections was to be repositioned by around 550mm, though its style would remain unchanged.
The application was permitted on 29 September 2011 under delegated authority. The officer recommended approval of the amendments, which involved modest changes to window styles and positioning compared to the previously approved scheme.
Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: - (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14)
relevant planning policies from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
General Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); (c) previously developed land (1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage. 6.4 Planning Agreements 6.4.1 Where development is acceptable and in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the relevant Area Plan, but raises issues which cannot be addressed by the imposition of planning conditions, the Department will seek to conclude an Agreement with the developer under Section 13 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act.
protection of the character of the landscape will be the most important consideration unless it can be shown that: - (a) the development would not harm the character and quality of the landscape; or - (b) the location for the development is essential
relevant planning policies from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
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
In the case of those rural dwellings which have lost their former residential use by abandonment, consideration will be given in the following circumstances to the formation of a dwelling by use of the remaining fabric and the addition of new fabric to replace that which has been lost
The works proposed in the previous planning application (09/01850/B) were judged to be in compliance with the relevant planning policies
Housing Policy 13: In the case of those rural dwellings which have lost their former residential use by abandonment, consideration will be given in the following circumstances to the formation of a dwelling by use of the remaining fabric and the addition of new fabric to replace that which has been lost. Where: a) the building is substantially intact; this will involve there being at least three of the walls, standing up to eaves level and structurally capable of being retained; and b) there is an existing, usable track from the highway; and where c) a supply of fresh potable water and of electricity can be made available from existing services within the highway. (1) Habitable Status is defined in Appendix 1 (2) Non residential use is defined in Appendix 1 This policy will not apply in National Heritage Areas (see Environment Policy 6). Permission will not be given for the use of buildings more ruinous than those in (a) above, or for the erection of replacement bu ildings. Extensions of dwellings formed in accordance with the above may be permitted if the extension is clearly subordinate to the original building (i.e. in terms of floor space(3) measured externally, the extension measures less than 50% of that of the original). 8.11.2 It is important that replacement dwellings should relate closely to the buildings they replace in terms of siting and size, that the resulting visual impact is appropriate for the countryside, and that existing stone and slate are re-used.
