Alterations to approved PA 15/00075/B: Reconstruction of the highway and footpaths, drainage, services, street lighting, street furniture and signage

Environment Policy 35

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

lew LDHP LDHP e Arbory Location Former Designation Area Plan Designation Symbol on Proposals Map (3) and Inset Maps (4-7) Parville, Ballabeg (Registered Building 235), Arbory LDHP LDHP f Balladoole House and The Granary, Arbory LDHP LDHP g Rushen Location Former Designation Area Plan Designation Symbol on Proposals Map (3) and Inset Maps (4-7) Ballagawne (Greenacres), Ballagawne Road, Rushen LDHP LDHP h Kentraugh, Rushen LDHP LDHP i Proposed Low Density Housing in Parkland An area to the East and West of Phildraw Road, Malew, as shown on Inset Map 4 Appendix 4 (a): Groups of Houses in the Countryside Survey (2009) Assessments of individual groups: (a) Cregneash: (i) Description: Cregneash comprises a group of traditional buildings clustered around the church, and set on the saddle between Meayll Hill and Cronk ny Arrey. Some of the buildings are used as part of the Cregneash Folk Museum. (ii) Assessment: It is indicated at paragraph A.3.7 of Appendix 3 to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan that "Cregneash may also be judged to have the characteris tics of a village, but as the National Folk Museum it is subject to special consideration, seeking to preserve and protect the authenticity and integrity of the village and its setting." However, it would be more accurate to refer to Cregneash as "the set ting for the National Folk Museum" rather than "the National Folk Museum ". The introduction of additional dwellings, necessarily constructed some 100 years or more later than any existing dwelling in the village, would clearly be inimical to preserving th e authenticity and integrity of the present group and its value as the setting for the Folk Museum. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed. (b) The Howe/Glen Chass: (i) Description: The Howe comprises a group of dwellings and farm buildings ar ound the chapel on the north side of the road to The Sound. Just to the east, scattered either side of the road down to Fistard are the dwellings comprising Glen Chass. These linked groups have a sense of identity, arising in part from the chapel and in part from the topographical setting. The groups are close to Port St Mary, but clearly within the countryside. Apart from the chapel, there are no public buildings. (ii) Assessment: These groups are not in themselves sustainable settlements, and are not far enough away from Port St Mary or Port Erin to generate a valid local need for housing. In the case of The Howe, further development would be likely to extend or consolidate the existing ribbon development along The Sound Road, whilst in the case of Glen Chass, the access road is narrow and difficult, especially for public service vehicles. In these circumstances, additional dwellings are not proposed for The Howe or Glen Chass. (c) Ballakilpheric/Cronk e Dhooney: (i) Description: Grouped quite comp actly to the west and east of the still -active chapel are two collections of dwellings and farm buildings, some of which are comparatively modern. The group is some 1.5 km from the Colby main road, up a winding and sometimes narrow road. The sense of place arises largely from the chapel at the crossroads, but there are no other public facilities or amenities. (ii) Assessment: Whilst a small number of additional dwellings could be added without visual detriment to either the group or its setting, the group is not sustainable, is served by a poor access road, and is not distant enough from Colby to generate a valid local need for housing. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed. (d) Earystane: (i) Description: Earystane comprises a collection of dwellings scattered along the road between Ballamoar and Ballacannell. The distinctive, finely coursed stonework of some of the buildings, including the former chapel, lends a sense of unity to this interesting upland settlement. The group is some 2.5 km from the main Colby Road, is served by only a narrow road, and has no public facilities or amenities. (ii) Assessment: Further dwellings would clearly not be sustainable, and would reduce the interest and attraction of the existing group. Road access is poor. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed. (e) St Marks: (i) Description: St Marks is a designated Conservation Area, which includes some of the surrounding countryside. The buildings include the church, a chapel, the former school rooms , and a number of dwellings clustered around the village green. The spaces between the buildings contribute positively to the character of the settlement, helping to integrate it with its immediate rural environment. The undeniable sense of place arises not only from the disposition of the buildings and spaces, but also from the location at the meeting of several rural roads. (ii) Assessment: The Character Appraisal statement for the Conservation Area indicates that "Whilst new development might not be ru led out, detailed and careful assessment of any proposed develo

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

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.

POLICY CA/4 - PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT

proposals and policies contained within an area plan may take the opportunity to improve matters such as traffic congestion

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.

POLICY TM/4 - ROADS IN TOWNS OR VILLAGES

The highway authority in consultation with this department, should take measures to protect the historic environment from the worst effects of traffic

POLICY TM/5 - VEHICLE RESTRICTION AND TRAFFIC CALMING

each feature or device should relate in its design and materials to the overall townscape

POLICY TM/6 - FLOORSCAPE

Traditional stone setts, cobbles, flagstones and kerbstones should be retained wherever possible

POLICY TM/10 - ROADS SIGNS AND MARKINGS

Road signs and markings can also have a significant impact on a street's appearance

POLICY TM/11 - STREET LIGHTING

Local Authorities should consider carefully the selection and positioning of street lighting equipment