2 August 2021 · Delegated
Bishopscourt Mansion House, Bishopscourt, Kirk Michael, Isle Of Man, IM6 2ez
This application sought permission for alteration and refurbishment works at Bishopscourt Mansion House in Kirk Michael, a Registered Building of significant historic importance. The works included replacing the existing roof to the tower and hall sections, replacing roof slates, reconstructing chimney stacks and chimney pots, adding a rainwater pipe and hopper, repointing stonework, and re-rendering. The application was linked to a related listed building consent application. Bishopscourt is the Isle of Man's highest-grade registered building (RB 1), a large house formerly home to the Bishop of Sodor and Mann, thought to have been founded in the 13th century. Parts of 'King Orry's Tower' are believed to date from the end of the 14th century. The site is also designated as an area of archaeological interest.
The application was permitted on 2 August 2021 under delegated authority. The key planning consideration was the preservation of the registered building, its setting, and any features of special architectural or historic interest, which the proposed works were assessed against.
General criteria applied in considering registered building applications
The proposals are considered to be in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 AND RB/5 of Planning Policy Statement 1/01
POLICY RB/3 General criteria applied in considering registered building applications The issues that are generally relevant to the consideration of all registered building applications are:- • The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity, relative to the Island as a whole and within the local context; • The particular physical features of the building (which may include its design, plan, materials or location) which justify its inclusion in the register; descriptions annexed to the entry in the register may draw attention to features of particular interest or value, but they are not exhaustive and other features of importance, (e.g. Interiors, murals, hidden fireplaces) may come to light after the building's entry in the register; • The building's setting and its contribution to the local scene, which may be very important, e.g. Where it forms an element in a group, park, garden or other townscape or landscape, or where it shares particular architectural forms or details with other buildings nearby (including other registered buildings).
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
The proposals are considered to be in accordance with the Strategic Plan policies, Policies RB/3 AND RB/5 of 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.
