16 October 2025 · Delegated
20, Grammah Avenue, Port Erin, Isle Of Man, IM9 6nj
This application sought permission to erect a first-floor dormer extension to the rear elevation of a detached bungalow at 20 Grammah Avenue, Port Erin. The property sits on the west side of the road in a street where properties share similar materials, design, scale, and separation distances. The application was refused on 16 October 2025. The decision found that the proposed dormer, by virtue of its bulky appearance and the scale and design of the extension, failed to properly respect the character of the site. The officer's report noted that while some bungalows in the street have higher ridge heights that allow for dormers, and many have had alterations, the specific design proposed here did not meet the standards set out in the Residential Design Guide (2021) or the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
The application was refused because the proposed rear dormer was considered too bulky in scale and design, failing to respect the character of the site in line with the Residential Design Guide (2021) and the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016. The official portal decision is recorded as Refused on 2025-10-16.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2
respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design
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
Environment Policy 22
development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
