Alterations, installation of replacement roof tiles and replacement bay window to dwelling (in association with 15/00286/CON)

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

Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the 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.

REGISTRATION OF BUILDINGS

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

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

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

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

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

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.

IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIAL CHARACTER

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

POLICY CA/1 IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIAL CHARACTER It is the quality and interest of areas, rather than that of individual buildings which should be the prime consideration in identifying conservation areas. Features such as:- • The historic street pattern and definition of property boundaries; • A particular mix or variety of uses; • The use of materials or styles local to the particular area, or the island; • The quality of "period" architecture; • The quality and detail of contemporary buildings; • The survival of building types or features, such as shop fronts, street furniture, decorative ironwork; • The presence and form of hard and soft landscaping; • The quality of enclosure, spaces between buildings and vistas along streets; • The presence of green open spaces and trees as "breathing spaces"; • The presence of water in the landscape: this might be in the form of a stream, river, weir or waterfall, dub or pond, lake, estuary, harbour or coastline. Other physical features, not listed above, may also make a major contribution to the over all interest of a locality. Conservation area designation should take account of and recognise the wide variety of qualities, including the historic development of the neighbourhood, which can all serve to be important in making up the unique and special character of an area. There are at present ten conservation areas in the Island and whilst Registration focuses on the merits and protection of individual buildings, conservation area designation is the main means whereby the special architectural quality or local character of an area may be preserved and enhanced for our present enjoyment and that of generations to come.

SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

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.

PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

POLICY CA/4 PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT It is important that designation is not seen as an end in itself, but that there be an opportunity for the designation to be considered in a wider context, such as that of an area plan. It is this overview which will basically determine the long term validity and prosperity of the conservation area. For example, proposals and policies contained within an area plan may take the opportunity to improve matters such as traffic congestion in and around a conservation area by traffic management and improvement, the provision of off-street parking and the introduction of some pedestrian or bicycle priority ways. The plan will also prescribe the use of land and buildings within the conservation area and beyond and may indicate opportunities for enhancement by restoration and re-use, or if appropriate, for replacement of elements within the conservation area which detract from the special character of the area.