5 August 2025 · Delegated
Windsor House, 4, Wesley Terrace, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 2db
This application sought permission to use Windsor House, a three-storey end-of-terrace residential property with an attached garage in Ballasalla, additionally as tourist accommodation. The site sits adjacent to the highway in an area predominantly used for residential purposes. The key planning issues examined were the principle of the additional use, its visual impact on the surrounding area, effects on neighbouring amenities, and highway safety. The case officer recommended approval. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture granted permission on 5 August 2025, with one condition attached to the approval.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 5 August 2025. The officer considered the principle of the use, its visual impact, effects on neighbouring amenities, and highway safety, and recommended approval. The final decision matched that recommendation.
Reuse of quality buildings for Tourism
The proposal would comply with Strategic Policy 8
Strategic Policy 8: Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality, where they do not affect adversely environmental, agricultural, or highway interests and where they enable enjoyment of our natural and man - made attractions. 4.4.5 This policy reflects the general restriction on new development outside defined development zones. Tourist proposals in the countryside will normally be required to meet the above criteria. 4.4.6 Viable and vibrant town and village centres not only provide the opportunity for economic success, but also provide convenient and accessible amenities for all members of the community and an opportunity to obtain renewal of some of our poorer built fabric. Accordingly:
General Development Considerations
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
Use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation
Business Policy 13: Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such u se would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
