12 February 2015 · Delegated
Derby House, Castle Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1la
This application sought Registered Building Consent to replace windows on the rear elevation of Derby House (the former Post Office) on Castle Street, Castletown with uPVC units. The building is a traditional two-storey stone structure with timber sliding sash windows and Georgian glazing bars, situated opposite Castle Rushen and within a Conservation Area. The application was refused on 12 February 2015. Decision-makers found that installing uPVC windows would not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the registered building or the Conservation Area. The proposed windows were also considered unsuitable because they would not match the original windows in terms of materials. Although the windows were on the rear elevation, the officer noted that this elevation remains visible from a public thoroughfare, making the impact on the street scene and the wider Conservation Area a material concern.
Registered Building Consent was refused on 12 February 2015. The Department of Infrastructure declined to give consent because uPVC windows would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the registered building and the surrounding Conservation Area. The proposed windows would also not match the original timber sliding sash windows in terms of materials.
Refusal Reasons
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area
The installation of u PVC windows would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Registered Building and the Conservation Area
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.
In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting
There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made
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.
Registered Buildings If the original windows are still in place they should preferably be repaired. If repair is impracticable, replacement windows must be the same as the originals in all respects
The proposed windows would not match the originals in terms of their materials
