Castletown Heritage Response

The Planning and Building Control Division Department of Infrastructure 1st Floor Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas IM1 2SF

05.04.2014.

Dear Sir

RECEIVED ON 7 APR 2014 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Planning application 14/00300/B. Change of use from residential to office accommodation. Balcony House 6 and 6a The Parade, Castletown, IM9 1LG

Castletown Heritage has concerns about the proposals within this planning application. Balcony House is a fine Georgian property with significant historical associations within the centre of historic Castletown. Many internal features have survived and the building has recently been sympathetically restored. The building is an important part of the historic townscape and the Conservation area.

The viability of the town centre, with mixed use including residential, is an important planning consideration. Successful residential use of town centres relies on both a critical mass, and a variety of residential types being available. It would be a pity if this fine residential property was lost as part of that mix.

Whilst this is an important factor, it is even more important that whatever the use, the architectural integrity of the building, including its internal features, remains intact.

We would also stress most strongly that it would be inappropriate to change the character of the building in a way that is detrimental to the architectural integrity.

Please could you draw these concerns to the intention of the planning committee for them to take into account during their deliberations.

Yours faithfully,

David M Wilson President

Registered Charity in the Isle of Man No. 701A