28 November 2025 · Delegated
The Anchorage, Mill Road, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1ta
Permission was sought to erect a detached garden building in the rear garden of The Anchorage, Mill Road, Peel, to be used partly as ancillary accommodation and partly as tourist accommodation. The property is one of a pair of semi-detached houses with a large two-level rear garden. The application was refused by the Interim Director of Planning and Building Control on 28 November 2025. Two reasons were given: the building did not meet Isle of Man strategic policies requiring tourism development to be high-quality, sustainable, and distinctive, and it failed to align with the Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2032, which seeks investment in contemporary and eco-friendly accommodation. The proposal was judged to offer minimal strategic benefit. A second and separate reason for refusal was that an elevated sleep deck window in the building would create an unacceptable risk of overlooking into the adjoining property.
The application was refused on two grounds. First, the proposed garden building was considered a functional addition of limited scale and quality that failed to meet Isle of Man policies requiring tourism development to deliver high-quality, sustainable, and distinctive accommodation. Second, an elevated sleep deck window in the building would create an unacceptable risk of overlooking into the neighbouring property, causing an unacceptable loss of privacy to adjoining residents.
Refusal Reasons
Tourist development proposals will generally be permitted where they make use of existing built fabric of interest and quality
The proposal conflicts 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
contrary to General Policy 2(d)
Allows for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation provided the use is not harmful to the amenities of neighbouring residents
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.
Demolition of existing building and erection of two terraced dwellings with associated parking, Part Former Peel Gas Works Site and Adjacent Showroom, 15 Mill Road, Peel
Additional use of residential property as tourist living accommodation
Whilst not directly related to the site, the neighbouring semi-detached has been the subject of an application
