2 January 2013 · Committee
St Germans Cathedral, Derby Road, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1hh
This application sought permission to remove existing louvres from four window openings at St Germans Cathedral in Peel and replace them with new louvres made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP). The cathedral is a Registered Building situated within the Peel Conservation Area. The application was linked to a separate consent application (reference 12/01275/CON) covering the same works. The officer recommended approval, and the Department of Infrastructure formally permitted the application on 2 January 2013. Permission was granted subject to two conditions.
The Department of Infrastructure approved the application on 2 January 2013. The proposal involved works to a Registered Building within the Peel Conservation Area, and permission was granted subject to two conditions.
General Policy 2
Within the adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, the following policies are considered to be relevant
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
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural interest will not be permitted
Environment Policy 32 states that
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
In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre-1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred
Replacing the louvres with glass reinforced plastic goes against Environment Policy 34 of the Strategic Plan
Environment Policy 34: In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre -1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred. 7.29 Development within Conservation Areas 7.29.1 Conservation Areas are designated where the Department is satisfied that there is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Accordingly, the Department will; i. appraise and review existing Conservation Areas; and ii. designate new Conservation Areas where Conservation Area appraisals have revealed individual areas to be worthy of such status. 7.29.2 Development proposals within Conservation Areas will be expected either to preserve or enhance their character or appearanc e. Development proposals should be in accordance with the Department's conservation policies set out in Planning Policy Statement 1/01, "Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man." There is generally gra nt assistance available to help in the use of appropriate materials and positive and appropriate development within Conservation Areas.
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
Policy 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.
Special Planning Considerations
CA/2 Special Planning Considerations
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This permission relates to the installation of telecommunications equipment and installation of replacement louvres as shown in drawing numbers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107 date stamped 17th September 2012, Equipment Specifications contained in Appendix 4 of the site specific supplementary information date stamped 17th September 2012 and drawing number 005 date stamped 2nd November 2012.