17 February 2016 · Committee
Wren Cottage, Main Road, Sulby, Isle Of Man, IM7 2hp
This application sought approval in principle for the erection of a dwelling on a rectangular plot of land to the east of the Old School House on Main Road, Sulby, Isle of Man. The site, measuring approximately 26.5 metres deep and 11.8 metres wide, was at the time used as part of the curtilage of the Old School and contained a detached double garage with a lean-to outbuilding and an area of hardstanding. It is enclosed on three sides by a Manx stone wall. The planning officer recommended approval, and the application was permitted by committee on 17 February 2016. The main planning issues examined were whether residential development was acceptable in principle on this land, the potential effect on the visual amenities of nearby registered buildings, the impact on the character and appearance of the street scene, and highway and parking matters. Access to the site runs via a driveway between the Old School House and St Stephens Church and Hall.
The application was permitted by committee on 17 February 2016. The officer recommended approval, and the committee agreed. Key planning issues considered included the principle of residential development on the site, the potential impact on nearby registered buildings, and the effect on the character and appearance of the street scene.
Development should make the best use of resources
Due to the zoning of the site and the proposed works the following policies are relevant in the determination of the application
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages
Due to the zoning of the site and the proposed works the following policies are relevant in the determination of the application
Strategic Policy 2: New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions(2) of these towns and villages. Development will be permitted in the countryside only in the exceptional circumstances identified in paragraph 6.3. (1) Open Space is defined in Appendix 1. (2) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 4.3.2 Appendix 3 to the Plan identifies the towns and villages, and also explains why the Department has rejected the idea of a new settlement, which was mooted in the Consultation Draft published in May 2000. 4.3.3 Each of our towns and villages has an ind ividual character arising not only from its geographical position and existing fabric, but also from its historical, cultural, and social background. This character should be protected and enhanced. Accordingly:
In the remaining villages development should maintain the existing settlement character
Due to the zoning of the site and the proposed works the following policies are relevant in the determination of the application
Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan
Overall, it is considered the access arrangement would be acceptable and therefore considered to comply with General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan
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
Approval in principle for erection of a dwelling addressing siting and means of access
relevant in the assessment and determination of this application site
Conversion of School House to dwelling with new conservatory and double garage
relevant in the assessment and determination of this application site
Approval in principle for change of use from school to private dwelling
relevant in the assessment and determination of this application site
Approval in principle for the change of use from former school to residential
relevant in the assessment and determination of this application site
