Planning Statement

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Planning Statement Close Chirrym, St Judes Road, Sulby, IM7 2ES Proposal for Ancillary Unit of Self-Catered Accommodation

• 1.0 This proposal is to create a self-catered unit, allowing for an additional and private living area for elderly family members requiring care in the future, to be used as ancillary space to complement the existing dwelling, in addition to occasional self-catered tourist accommodation.
• 2.0 The proposed location of the unit (shown on the site plan) respects the character of the site, complying with General Policy 2, by integrating within the residential curtilage. Its location sits to the boundary between the residential curtilage and the agricultural field (paddock), just within the agricultural paddock itself, allowing the boundary location to blend with the existing. It is in close proximity to the main dwelling, which will not be affected by the proposed works.
• 3.0 Currently there is a garden shed (footprint of 26sqm) within the boundary between the residential and agricultural field, however this is only being used as storage for garden furniture, etc, in relation to the main dwelling. It is proposed to remove this shed in order to reclaim some agricultural land, as a compromise to accommodate the proposed selfcatered unit. Removing the shed compensates any minor land loss, enhancing agricultural potential elsewhere as per Environment Policy 14. This avoids General Policy 3 restrictions, as the site is not "countryside" but extended curtilage.
• 4.0 The proposed self-catered unit is 42sqm, to allow for a separate lounge area, bathroom and sleeping area, with decking extending 1m out to the front and 2m out to the side.
• 5.0 The double doors leading into the accommodation will only be accessed within the boundary of the residential curtilage, with fence surrounding the decked area to separate this from the field.

• 6.0 The agricultural field (paddock), under the same ownership, is not a separate agricultural field but an incidental extension used for recreation activities (such as family picnics, sports, etc) as an extended part of the main garden to the dwelling, with no livestock or planting to this field.
• 7.0 As per Appendix 1 of the Strategic Plan, curtilage includes land "attached to and around a building, used with the building." Satellite imagery may suggest a field, but ground-level evidence shows integration: shared boundaries, access via the main driveway, and no physical severance (e.g., no highway). Trees border adjacent properties but do not isolate the paddock; it blends with the house's setting.
• 8.0 Within the main dwelling, at some point one of the existing bedrooms will accommodate additional family members. With this proposal, this will allow for a more spacious and independent space for such family members. Whether the property is used as only ancillary to the main dwelling for elderly family members, or for potential tourism purposes, this would only have a similar impact either way and would therefore not impose any significant adverse impact upon any living conditions of the neighbouring properties. The proposal would involve a shared driveway with the main dwelling in any case, with shared utility and garden / recreational space, integrated with the main dwelling. With this in mind, this proposal is set out to comply with the IOM Strategic Plan, in particular, aligning with Business Policy 14 and also Business Policy 13, as stated below:

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 use would not compromise the amenities of the neighbouring residents.

• 9.0 With the proposed position of the self-catered unit, this would comply with General Policy 2, protecting wildlife/habitats, avoiding any impact on surrounding trees and root protection areas. With the surrounding trees to remain, this land will remain very private. The proposed location is more than 25m from any other neighbouring dwellings. This avoids any overshadowing, overlooking and any potential noise and privacy issues.
• 10.0 The ancillary unit has minimal impact and enhances family living at Close Chirrym without harming the character of the countryside, by avoiding countryside development prohibitions, justified as curtilage-integrated and policy-compliant, complying with the Strategic Plan. Approval would support caring responsibilities and subtle tourism, aligning with Island goals.