15 January 2016 · Delegated
Ballaglea House, Corlea Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3ba
The application sought permission to erect a replacement dwelling with integral garaging at Ballaglea House, a two-storey property set within a sizeable garden stretching approximately 230 metres from Corlea Road in a rural location. Officers had encouraged the applicant during pre-application discussions to consider full redevelopment rather than further extensions, and the applicant agreed to this approach. The replacement dwelling is larger than the existing, principally in height, but this increase results from the adoption of traditional proportions — notably a steeper pitched roof — which significantly improve the character and appearance of the property. Officers concluded that the increase in height was unlikely to make the property significantly more prominent in the landscape, and that views of the house would change to those of a more traditionally designed building better suited to its rural setting. The proposal was judged to fall within the acceptable ranges of expansion under Housing Policy 14 and to represent an enhancement over the existing dwelling. Conditions were attached to restrict further extensions and garage conversions, to protect the consistent form of the approved design.
The replacement dwelling was approved because, despite being larger than the existing building, it adopts traditional proportions — particularly a steeper pitched roof — that enhance the character and appearance of the property and are more appropriate for its rural location. The proposal falls within the acceptable expansion limits set out in Housing Policy 14. Conditions restricting permitted development rights for further extensions were attached to prevent the quality of the approved design being undermined.
Extensions to properties in the countryside
the parts of the Strategic Plan which are applicable to this application
8.12.2 Extensions to properties in the countryside As there is a general p olicy against development in the Island's countryside, it is important that where development exists, either in an historic or recently approved form, it should not, when altered or extended detract from the amenities of the countryside. Care therefore, must be taken to control the size and form of extensions to property in the countryside. In the case of traditional properties, the proportion and form of the building is sensitively balanced and extensions of inappropriate size or proportions will not be ac ceptable where these destroy the existing character of the property. In the case of non -traditional properties, where these are of poor or unsympathetic appearance, extensions which would increase the impact of the property will generally not be acceptable . It may be preferable to consider the redevelopment of non -traditional dwellings or properties of poor form with buildings of a more traditional style and in these cases, the Department may consider an increase in size of the replacement property over and above the size of the building to be replaced, where improvements to the appearance of the property would justify this.
replacement dwellings should relate closely to the buildings they replace in terms of siting and size
Where a replacement dwelling is permitted, it must not be substantially different to the existing in terms of siting and size
the proposal results in an enhancement to the existing but in any case falls within the acceptable ranges of expansion as advocated in Housing Policy 14
Housing Policy 14: Where a replacement dwelling is permitted, it must not be substantially different to the existing in terms of siting and size, unless changes of siting or size would result in an overall environmental improvement; the new buildi ng should therefore generally be sited on the "footprint" of the existing, and should have a floor area (1), which is not more than 50% greater than that of the original building (floor areas should be measured externally and should not include attic space or outbuildings). Generally, the design of the new building should be in accordance with Policies 27 of the present Planning Circular 3/91, (which will be revised and issued as a Planning Policy Statement). Exceptionally, permission may be granted for bui ldings of innovative, modern design where this is of high quality and would not result in adverse visual impact; designs should incorporate the re -use of such stone and slate as are still in place on the site, and in general, new fabric should be finished to match the materials of the original building. Consideration may be given to proposals which result in a larger dwelling where this involves the replacement of an existing dwelling of poor form with one of more traditional character, or where, by its design or siting, there would be less visual impact. 8.11.3 It is unlikely that permission will be given for permanent replacement of dwellings which were never intended to have a permanent residential use, such as chalets and other structures built of materials for only temporary or seasonal use. 8.12 Extensions to Residential Property 8.12.1 Extensions to Dwellings in built up areas or sites designated for residential use As a general policy, in built up areas not controlled by Conservation Area or Registered Building policies, there will be a gener al presumption in favour of extensions to existing property where such extensions would not have an adverse impact on either adjacent property or the surrounding area in general. (3) Floor Space is defined in Appendix 1 (1) Floor Area is defined in Appendix 1 8.12.2 Extensions to properties in the countryside As there is a general p olicy against development in the Island's countryside, it is important that where development exists, either in an historic or recently approved form, it should not, when altered or extended detract from the amenities of the countryside. Care therefore, must be taken to control the size and form of extensions to property in the countryside. In the case of traditional properties, the proportion and form of the building is sensitively balanced and extensions of inappropriate size or proportions will not be ac ceptable where these destroy the existing character of the property. In the case of non -traditional properties, where these are of poor or unsympathetic appearance, extensions which would increase the impact of the property will generally not be acceptable . It may be preferable to consider the redevelopment of non -traditional dwellings or properties of poor form with buildings of a more traditional style and in these cases, the Department may consider an increase in size of the replacement property over and above the size of the building to be replaced, where improvements to the appearance of the property would justify this.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no extension, enlargement or other alteration of the dwelling(s) hereby approved, other than that expressly authorised by this approval, shall be carried out, without the prior written approval of the Department.
Condition 3
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no garage may be converted to or used for residential accommodation without the prior written approval of the Department.
Condition 4
The garaging hereby approved may only be used for the storage of vehicles and items associated with the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved.