11 June 2025 · Delegated
Harmony View, Hill Park, Ballakillowey, Colby, Isle Of Man, IM9 4bf
Permission was granted for the erection of a dwelling with an integral garage on land adjacent to Longmead, Ballakillowey Road, Colby, Isle of Man. The site was formerly part of the garden of the detached dwellinghouse to the south and sits in a semi-rural location on the east side of the A36, where the land slopes south rising to the north. The main planning issues examined were the visual impact of the proposed dwelling on the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings, and the potential effect on the amenity of neighbouring residents. Both issues were considered acceptable. The application was approved on 11 June 2025 under delegated authority, with 8 conditions attached to the permission.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 11 June 2025. The key planning issues considered were the visual impact on the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area, and the potential effect on neighbouring amenity. Both were found to be acceptable.
Area Plan for the South 2013
complies with D15 of the Area Plan for the South 2013
oded horizons. Open and panoramic views out to sea from the higher areas on the upper western parts of the area where there are few trees to interrupt views. Port Erin and Port St Mary (D15) The overall strategy for the area is to maintain and enhance the character, quality and distinctiveness of the local built vernacular and integrity of th e nucleated settlements of Port Erin, Port St. Mary and Ballagawne 5, the scattered traditional farm dwellings and to maintain the field pattern and semi -upland character of the upper slopes. Key Views Extensive panoramic views from higher ground on hill slopes along coast to the Calf of Man, inland over the Scarlett Peninsula and up the Southern Uplands and Meayll Hill. Port Grenaugh (E1) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of this remote and tranquil coa stal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views and numerous sites of archaeological importance. Key Views Panoramic and open views out to sea from the Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, south towards Langness and the Schoo l Tower in Castletown and north up the jagged coastline towards Santon Head. 5 The Landscape Character Assessment identified Ballagawne as a settlement. The identified settlement in the Strategic Plan is Ballafesson therefore the Green Gap proposed is between Port Erin and Ballafesson although the gap between Port Erin and Ballagawne is also seen as an important feature. Bay ny Carrickey (E9) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the tranquil and coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, sites of archaeological importance and to conserve the coastal setting of Port St. Mary. Key Views Extensive, panoramic views from Raad ny Foillan across the sweeping and ever-changing seascape to the south. Open views across the bay, with distant sense of enclosure provided by headlands to the east and west. Open views across adjacent Undulating Lowland Plain to the north. Castletown Bay (E10) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, and to conserve the coastal setting of Castletown. Key Views Extensive, panoramic open views from Raad ny Foillan , views southwards across the ever-changing seascape. Grey stone wall of the harbour, marking the entrance to Castletown, is a landmark within views westwards. Views across the bay contained by protruding headlands to the east and west. Langness (E11) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of the coastal area with its rich ecological habitats, open and expansive panoramic views, and to conserve the tranquil and rugged character of the area with its numerous sites of archaeological importance , such a s the former mines and former smelt mines. Key Views Panoramic, open views across surrounding, ever -changing seascape, from several points along the peninsula, in particular from Dreswick Point (at the southernmost tip). Dramatic views northwards from S t. Michael's Island, along the north eastern shore. Open views across Castletown Bay to the west. Castletown and Ballasalla (F7) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of this open area that contributes to the setting of Castletown and Ballasalla, to enhance the river field pattern and to conserve the aquatic habitat corridor of the Silverburn. Key Views Open and panoramic views out to sea and over Langness' rocky shoreline beyond the Airport. Key views to the prominent landmarks of Castle Rushen and King William's College. Poyll Vaaish and Scarlett Peninsula (F8) The overall strategy is to conserve the strong sense of openness throughout the area, with strong field pattern as well as the setting of th e numerous archaeological sites and wartime structures within the area. Key Views Open and panoramic views out to sea, up to the Southern Upland peaks over open fields and towards the built -up areas of Castletown and Ballasalla are obtained from various slightly elevated positions within the area, where the cumulative effects of hedgerow trees does not intervene. Foreshortened views in some flatter areas where the accumulated effects of hedgerow trees create a wooded horizon. Fleshwick (H2) The overall strategy is to conserve the character, quality and distinctiveness of this open, unsettled and rugged area with expansive and dramatic views and to conserve the wild setting of the numerous archaeological features. Key Views Distant views out towards Ireland over the sea from the Raad ny Foillan coastal path. Panoramic expansive views out to sea and along the coastline from Fleshwick Bay. Dramatic views over the coastal cliffs and along the coastline from the coastal path. Bradd
Strategic Policy 3
Strategic Policy 3: Proposals for development must ensure that the individual character of our towns and villages is protected or enhanced by: (a) avoiding coalescence and maintaining adequate physical separation between settlements; and (b) having regard in the design of new development to th e use of local materials and character. 4.3.4 Most of our built heritage, our countryside, our coastline and our natural environment is of attraction, value and interest. Surveys commissioned by Government on the quality of life and the importance of heritage in the Isle of Man and internationally, have consistently shown that the historic landscape setting of the Isle of Man scores as t he single most significant factor for residents and visitors in supporting the concept of a specific and positive Manx identity. This "heritage identity" is a result of the combination of a rich diversity of historic sites and monuments, historic building s and residential settlements and a specific range of natural history attributes set within a predominantly rural landscape setting which links modern life to a sense of historic legacy and beauty, the retention of which is strongly supported by Government and the resident community. 4.3.5 The landscapes of the Island are very varied, and their nature and variety is the consequence of thousands of years of interaction between the natural and cultural aspects of the Island through human activity within the enviro nment and an innate respect for the natural and historic qualities they represent. 4.3.6 This landscape heritage is more than simply the sum of its parts. The combination of geology, geomorphology, wildlife, archaeology, history, traditional buildings and the natural settings for traditional activities and customs, combine in the rural and built environment to provide an inseparable element of "Manxness". It provides an overarching context which makes the landscapes of the Isle of Man unique and gives them the value which is acknowledged by those who live here and those who visit. The protection and promotion of this element within Manx society is an important element in central Government policy and the Strategic Plan, which both support the view that these v alued characteristics of the Isle of Man be acknowledged and protected for the future from inappropriate development. 4.3.7 This protection will apply to areas of heritage value, to sites of heritage value and to general traditional landscape settings within the Island which are deemed to contribute to the sense of the Island's heritage identity. Heritage landscape value will therefore be a consideration in all aspects of planning, with a view to retaining and enhancing this value wherever possible.
Strategic Policy 5
Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.
General Policy 2
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 42
pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Prior to the commencement of development on site including any clearance works, details for the method of protecting the existing trees and hedging on site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. All works must be carried out in accordance with the agreed details and the method of protection only removed on completion of the development works.
Condition 3
Prior to the commencement of any works on the site details of surface water drainage for the access and internal driveway must be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department, and all works must be carried out in full accordance with the approved details and shall be installed prior to the first coming into use of the approved access and driveway works and retained thereafter.
Condition 4
No works above damp proof course shall take place until a detailed schedule of the external materials including cladding, render and roof tile, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The works shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved details and retained as such thereafter.
Condition 5
No works above damp proof course shall take place until a hard and soft landscaping scheme has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The scheme shall include details of the complete driveway surface, any new walls, fences, Manx banks, trees, hedgerows and any other planting and boundary treatments and shall also include a planting specification [numbers, density, size, species and positions of all new trees and shrubs] and a programme of implementation. The works shall be carried out in accordance with the programme agreed within the first planting season following the completion or occupation of the development whichever comes first. The scheme shall be maintained and retained thereafter. Any trees or plants indicated on the approved scheme which, within a period of five years from the date of planting, die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced with the same species within the next planting season unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department and retained thereafter.
Condition 6
Prior to the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved the access, parking and turning areas must be provided in accordance with the approved plans. Such areas shall not be used for any purpose other than for access and the parking and turning of vehicles associated with the development and shall always remain free of obstruction for such use for the lifetime of the development. From its junction with the public highway, the first 6m of the site access should be bound and consolidated and conditioned as such The gates should open inwards and be set back from the junction with the public highway a minimum of 5m.
Condition 7
Prior to the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved the visibility splays shall be constructed in full accordance with the approved plans and thereafter kept permanently clear of any obstruction exceeding 1.05m in height above adjoining carriageway level.
Condition 8
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no development shall be undertaken in accordance with any of the following Classes of Schedule 1 of the Order at any time: - o Class 14 Extension of dwellinghouse - o Class 17 Private garages and car ports
Variation of Condition 1 to PA 22/00077/B (Erection of dwelling and attached garage with annex and creation of vehicular access) for an extension of time for a further 2 to 4 years
materially relevant
Erection of dwelling and attached garage with annex and creation of vehicular access
materially relevant