15 October 2025 · Delegated
The Gardeners Cottage, West Baldwin Road, Mount Rule, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 4hs
This application sought permission to use an existing cottage at Keeil House, West Baldwin Road, Mount Rule, as tourist accommodation in addition to its existing use. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 15 October 2025, with one condition attached. The case officer recommended approval and the decision was made on a delegated basis. The evidence pack does not set out detailed planning reasons, but the application was found acceptable and permitted.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 15 October 2025. The officer also recommended approval, and the decision was made under delegated authority.
Paragraph 9.5.8
General Policy 2
general standards towards acceptable development
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
Strategic Policy 8
acceptability of tourist development
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:
Environment Policy 16
and heritage, but also an opportunity for diversification and re -use. The Department will continue to treat proposals for re-use positively, where they comply with current policy guidance namely Environment Policy 16 and Environment Policy 17, set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, 2007. Manx National Heritage is likely to seek recording of such buildings and farmsteads prior to redevelopment and particular regard should be had to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan - Environment Policy 41 - in this respect.
Business Policy 13
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.
Housing Policy 15
Housing Policy 15: The extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside will normally only be approved where these respect the proportion, form and appearance of the existing property. Only exceptionally will permission be granted for extensions which measure more than 50% of the existing building in terms of floor space (measured externally).
Transport Policy 7
Transport Policy 7: The Department will require that in all new development, parking provision must be in accordance with the Department's current standards. The current standards are set out in Appendix 7. 11.5.4 New development can have a significant impact in terms of the traffic generated by it and the impact on the various modes of travel. The Department considers that proposals which are likely to be significant traffic generators should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment(1) which should look at all modes of transport including access by public transport, cycling and on foot.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.