Manx National Heritage Response

Manx National Heritage

Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin

www.storyofmann.com

Manx National Heritage, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 3LY Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin, Doolish, Ellan Vannin IM1 3LY

☎: +44 (0)1624 648000 📧: +44 (0)1624 648001 🌐: [email protected]

Our Ref: 14-00300/ACCJ

14th April, 2014

Ms E J Callow Secretary to Planning Committee Department of Infrastructure Murray House Mount Havelock DOUGLAS

Dear Ms Callow

PA No 14/00300/C: H MacDowell Estate - Change of use from residential to office use, Balcony House, 6 And 6A The Parade, Castletown

I write on behalf of Manx National Heritage (‘MNH’), whose statutory responsibilities pertaining to the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the Isle of Man are defined under the terms of the Manx Museum and National Trust Act.

This application relates to Registered Building Nos 14 and 15.

We are not opposed to the proposed change of use of these buildings. We are concerned, however, that the proposed change of use may, in time, lead to internal alterations which would affect the historic fabric of the buildings. These might include improvement or augmentation of the electrical power supply to suit office rather than domestic purposes, and the installation of computer network cabling or similar. Such works might not only affect decorative finishes but also result in alterations to the fabric of the buildings and to period joinery, and might easily be commenced or undertaken in ignorance of their potential to damage these historic structures.

We would therefore request the application of suitable conditions to safeguard against such works being undertaken without the knowledge and advice of the Building Conservation Officer.

We trust that these comments will be of help to the Committee in making its decision. Yours sincerely

A.C.C. Johnson Inspector of Ancient Monuments