9 October 2015 · Delegated
Westminster House, 7, Parliament Square, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1la
Derby House, the former Post Office on Castle Street, Castletown, is a traditional two-storey stone building with timber sliding sash windows with Georgian glazing bars, situated opposite Castle Rushen and adjoining the Police Station. The proposal was to replace windows in the rear elevation with new timber windows matching the existing ones in size, shape, and design. The key planning issues were the impact on the character and appearance of the registered building and the Castletown Conservation Area, and the effect on the street scene. Despite the rear elevation facing a yard, it remains visible from a public thoroughfare. The officer concluded that because the replacement windows would match the existing in all material respects, the works would preserve the character and appearance of the registered building and the conservation area, satisfying the requirements of Policy RB/5 and Environment Policy 35.
The application was approved because the replacement timber windows were designed to match the existing windows in size, shape, and design, meaning the works would preserve rather than harm the character and appearance of the registered building and the Castletown Conservation Area. The officer was satisfied the proposal met the relevant registered building and conservation area policies.
Environment Policy 35
Isle of Man Strategic Plan
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.
Policy RB/5
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.
Planning Circular 1/98
Registered Buildings
Environment Policy 32
Isle of Man Strategic Plan
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
All new external joinery work shall match exactly the materials, finish, dimensions and profiles of the existing joinery work.
Condition 3
PRIOR to the commencement of any building works, further large scale ( 1:10) detail drawings of the windows to indicate the framing detail, material and any glazing bar profiles shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority and the works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.
