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| Application No.: | 11/01656/B |
| Applicant: | Mr & Mrs Paul Kneen |
| Proposal: | Solar panels and roof alterations to dwelling (partial retrospective) |
| Site Address: | The Retreat Surby Road Ballafesson Port Erin Isle Of Man IM9 6TE |
| Case Officer: | Mr Chris Balmer |
| Photo Taken: | 11.01.2012 |
| Site Visit: | 11.01.2012 |
| Expected Decision Level: | Officer Delegation |
The application forms the residential curtilage of The Retreat, Surby Road, Ballafesson, Port Erin which is part of a pair of semi detached properties. The property is located on the north-eastern side of Surby Road which is southeast of Surby.
The property is a tradition semi-detached property which has benefited from a number of alterations and extensions in recent history.
The application seeks approval for the installation of solar panels and roof alterations to dwelling (partial retrospective). The main aspect to the works which has not been undertaken yet is increase in the roof pitch of the existing side extension, to match the pitch of the main roof of the dwelling. The property has a number of existing solar panels. The roof works would enable a number of existing panels on the main roof to be moved to the new roof above the side extension. The solar water heaters would be moved from the existing side extension roof to the main roof. All alterations are to enable better efficiency for the solar panels/heaters.
The application site is within an area recognised as being an area of "white land", not zoned for development under the IOM Development Plan Order 1982. Under the Modified Draft Area Plan for the South the site is zoned as "Residential". The site is not within a Conservation Area; but is currently zoned as being within an area of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance.
"Paragraph 12.2.8 The Department is fully supportive of the need to secure greater energy efficiency in new and existing development and has recently introduced additional energy efficiency requirements in the Building Regulations 2003".
"Energy
Policy 4: Development involving alternative sources of energy supply, including wind, water and tide power, and the use of solar panels, will be judged against the environmental objectives and
policies set out in this Plan. Installations involving wind, water and tide power will require the submission of an EIA."
There are a number of previous planning applications which are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application:- Erection of a wind turbine and mast - 06/01727/B – APPROVED Extension with conservatory to east elevation (Amendment to 03/01483B) - 04/00137/B – APPROVED Two storey extension with conservatory to east elevation - 03/01483/B – REFUSED Erection of double garage - 00/01642/B – APPROVED Extension to dwelling (amendment to previously approved PA 99/0043) - 00/00813/B – APPROVED Extension to dwelling - 99/00043/B - APPROVED Extension to dwelling - 98/01692/B – REFUSED
The Planning Authority has received no privately written representations objecting to the proposal.
It is encouraged in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 to minimise environmental pollution to air, water and land and with this proposal the best practice to reduce energy consumption is being made.
The proposed solar panels are noticeable from public view, albeit the landscaping along the western boundary fronting the Surby Road helps reduce the appearance. It should be noted that none of the solar panels have planning permission.
A concern with solar panels are they generally project forward of the roof line and generally are prominent features which do not add to the visual appearance of the property or street scene. An argument for them is the benefits to the environment by reduce energy consumption.
In this case the new panel layout proposed would be an improvement over the current positing (unauthorised) given the amount of roof space having no solar panels being greater in area.
Overall, whilst they are/will be apparent from public view, the proposals do comply with the Isle of Man Strategic Plan aims for more sustainable development and reduce energy consumption.
The alterations to the pitch of the roof are considered acceptable and would not have a significant impact upon the visual appearance of the property or the street scene.
It is judged that the environmental improvements outweigh the visual impacts caused by the proposed development.
It should be noted that the drawings indicated that the existing/extended/alter roofs would all be finished in concrete tiles. The applicant has confirmed (emailed 16th Jan) that this is incorrect and existing slates will be used.
Overall, it is considered the proposal would comply with the Isle Of Man Strategic Plan therefore it is recommended that the application be approved.
It is considered that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status:
Rushen Commissioners
The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance.
Recommended Decision: Permitted
Date of Recommendation: 18.01.2012
C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal
C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
C 2. This approval relates to the solar panels and roof alterations to dwelling (partial retrospective) as proposed in the submitted documents and drawing 1242-11 all received on 30th November 2011.
C 3. The roof(s) must be finished in dark natural slate.
I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Development Control Manager/ Senior Planning Officer.
Decision Made : Permitted Date : 31 January 2012
Signed : ... Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer
Signed : ... Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control
Signed : ... Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer
Signed : ... Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager
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