26 September 2024 · Delegated
Thumper Cottage, Strang Hill, Strang, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 4nx
This retrospective application sought permission to convert a detached double garage into a summer house at Thumper Cottage, Strang Hill, Strang, Douglas, Isle of Man. The garage is a single-storey structure measuring approximately 5m x 5.4m with a pitched tiled roof, positioned to the front of the dwelling and set back from the highway so as not to interrupt the main front elevation. The planning officer identified three main issues: the visual impact of the development on the character of the area, the potential effect on neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, overbearing impact, and privacy, and highway safety. The application was approved by delegated decision on 26 September 2024, with two conditions attached. The officer's recommendation was also to permit the development.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved this retrospective application. The key planning issues considered were the visual impact of the conversion, its effect on neighbouring properties in terms of overlooking, loss of light, and privacy, and highway safety. The application was found acceptable on all these points.
General Policy 2
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The summerhouse hereby approved shall not be used other than in association with Thumper Cottage, as a summerhouse, for the storage of domestic items, as ancillary to the use of the dwellinghouse and for no other purpose.
