7 March 2012 · Committee
Red House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 6aq
This application sought permission for alterations, an extension, and the relocation and replacement of a double garage and carport at Red House, Victoria Road, Douglas. Red House is a substantial detached building set in mature grounds, designed by the architect Baillie Scott in 1893, and is a registered building of historic importance. The Planning Committee refused the application on 7 March 2012, finding that the proposed development would have a substantial and irreversible impact on the dwelling, causing unnecessary and detrimental harm to the character and design of this unique and historically important building. The officer had recommended approval, but the committee reached a different conclusion. Key issues considered included the impact of the development on the existing building and its historic significance, as well as potential effects on neighbouring properties and the wider area.
The Planning Committee refused the application. The committee found that the proposed alterations and extension would have a substantial and irreversible impact on the character and design of Red House, a unique and historically important registered building designed by Baillie Scott in 1893. Despite the case officer recommending approval, the committee concluded the harm to this significant building was unnecessary and unacceptable.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2
Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
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
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
Registration of Buildings - Criteria to be applied
Policies RB/1: Registration of Buildings - Criteria to be applied
5 S c o p e 6 Reasons for Conservation Policy 7 S u m m a r y o f P o l i c i e s 9 National Heritage Areas NHA/1 10 Registered Buildings 11 RB/1 Registration of Buildings - Criteria to be Applied 12 RB/2 Identification of Buildings for Registration 15 Building Preservation Notice 15 RB/3 General Criteria applie d in considering Registered Building Applications 16 R B / 4 U s e 1 6 RB/5 Alterations and Extensions 17 RB/6 Demolition 17 Control of Unauthorised Works 18 RB/7 Recording of Buildings 19 A d v i c e t o O w n e r s 1 9 Building and Fire Regulations 20 RB/8 Access for Persons with Disabilities 20 Fixtures and Curtilage Structures 21 RB/8 Registered Buildings in Government Ownership 21 RB/9 Ecclesiastical Buildings 21 Leasehold Tenure 22 F i n a n c i a l A s s i s t a n c e 2 2 Conservation Areas 23 CA/1 Identification of Special Character 24 CA/2 Special Planning Considerations 25 CA/3 Conservation Area Appraisal 25 CA/4 Proposals for Preservation and Enhancement 26 CA/5 Consultation 26 CA/6 Demolition 27 Advertisement Control 27 Absence of Permitted Development 27 F i n a n c i a l A s s i s t a n c e 2 7 Impact on Historic Environment of Transport and Traffic Management 28 Impact of proposals to be minimised 28 T M / 1 N e w T r a f f i c R o u t e s 2 9 TM/2 Work to Bridges 29 TM/3 Re-use of Existing Structures 29 TM/4 Roads in Towns or Villages 30 TM/5 Vehicle Restriction and Traffic Calming 30 T M / 6 F l o o r s c a p e 3 1 TM/7 Financial Provision 31 TM/8 Reinstatement of Disturbed Surfaces 31 TM/9 Street Furniture 32 TM/10 Road Signs and Markings 32 TM/11 Street Lighting 32 USEFUL REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING 33 Foreword Whatever our role in Island life, be it at work, at home or in our leisure pursuits, the quality of our historic environment touches us all, often to a degree which is not immediately evident. The distinctive and unique character of our townscapes and rural landscape possesses an almost intangible quality that is the result of thousands of years of natural formation and development, as modified by man's inhabitation of the land. We are, after all, only trustees of this very special Island, for the duration of our time here and, accordingly, it is of vital importance that we acknowledge, protect and preserve what is the best of the past, whilst encouraging positive steps to secure the quality of our environment for present and future generations. It is with considerable pleasure that the Department now publishes the Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man. Whilst this may not be a very "snappy" title, the document marks a major step in the development of a key strategy. It has been subject to, and has benefitted from, extensive consultation and now embodies a framework of policies and guidance designed to assist and inform all who have dealings with the fabric making up our unique and historic environment. Hon W.A. Gilbey MHK Minister for the Department of Local Government and the Environment Introduction In 1987, the Isle of Man became a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, thus reflecting the commitment which the Island has to its unique built heritage. It is fundamental to the Government's responsibilities for environmental stewardship that there should be effective protection for all aspects of the historic environment. The physical survivals of our past are to be valued and protected for their own sake, as a central part of our cultural heritage and our sense of national identity. Together, they give us a tangible link with our history and an irreplaceable record which contributes, through formal education and in many other ways, to our understanding of both the present and the past. Their presence adds to the quality of our lives, by enhancing the familiar and cherished local scene and sustaining the sense of our Island's distinctiveness which is so important an aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages and countryside. It is being increasingly recognised that the historic environment is also of immense importance for tourism, leisure, recreation and commerce generally. The richness and variety of our architectural heritage underpins and is a vital ingredient of the unique and special character which the Island retains. It is important that Conservation should not be regarded as a negative process - it goes beyond the ability to prevent the destruction of our built heritage, although that is crucial; Conservation involves actively caring for our buildings, maintaining them in good physical condition and enabling them to be readily accessible for study, enjoyment, recreation, tourism and nowadays, the Island's devel
General Criteria Applied in Considering Registered Building Applications
RB/3: General Criteria Applied in Considering Registered Building Applications
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).
Alterations and Extensions
RB/5: Alterations and Extensions
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.