15 October 2014 · Committee
Ballacowle Farm, Lhen Road, Bride, Isle Of Man, IM7 4bq
Permission was granted for the erection of an agricultural worker's dwelling and an agricultural shed at Ballacowle Farm, Lhen Road, Bride, Isle of Man. The application was decided by Committee on 15 October 2014. The case officer, Mr Edmond Riley, recommended approval subject to conditions, and the Committee agreed. The decision was issued subject to seven conditions. The site has a planning history with three earlier applications. The detailed reasons behind the approval are not fully set out in the available evidence.
The application was permitted by Committee on 15 October 2014, subject to seven conditions. The officer recommended approval and the Committee agreed, allowing both the agricultural worker's dwelling and the agricultural shed to be built at Ballacowle Farm.
New agricultural dwellings
Housing Policy 7: New agricultural dwellings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where real agricultural need is demonstrated. 8.9.3 In judging whether the need is sufficient to over -ride other policies, particular regard will be had to:- (a) the previous or proposed severance of land and buildings; (b) the agricultural justification for sub-division of a farm; (c) the long -term viability of new or unproven agricultural enterprises such as small - holdings, market gardens, or horticulture; (d) the extent to which the applicant's employment in agriculture is only part-time; and (e) in the case of a retiring farmer, whether the proposal would result in vacation of an existing farm dwelling for agricultural use, and whether the applicant would continue to assist in the operation of the farm.
Housing Policy 14
Housing Policy 14: Where a replacement dwelling is permitted, it must not be substantially different to the existing in terms of siting and size, unless changes of siting or size would result in an overall environmental improvement; the new buildi ng should therefore generally be sited on the "footprint" of the existing, and should have a floor area (1), which is not more than 50% greater than that of the original building (floor areas should be measured externally and should not include attic space or outbuildings). Generally, the design of the new building should be in accordance with Policies 27 of the present Planning Circular 3/91, (which will be revised and issued as a Planning Policy Statement). Exceptionally, permission may be granted for bui ldings of innovative, modern design where this is of high quality and would not result in adverse visual impact; designs should incorporate the re -use of such stone and slate as are still in place on the site, and in general, new fabric should be finished to match the materials of the original building. Consideration may be given to proposals which result in a larger dwelling where this involves the replacement of an existing dwelling of poor form with one of more traditional character, or where, by its design or siting, there would be less visual impact. 8.11.3 It is unlikely that permission will be given for permanent replacement of dwellings which were never intended to have a permanent residential use, such as chalets and other structures built of materials for only temporary or seasonal use. 8.12 Extensions to Residential Property 8.12.1 Extensions to Dwellings in built up areas or sites designated for residential use As a general policy, in built up areas not controlled by Conservation Area or Registered Building policies, there will be a gener al presumption in favour of extensions to existing property where such extensions would not have an adverse impact on either adjacent property or the surrounding area in general. (3) Floor Space is defined in Appendix 1 (1) Floor Area is defined in Appendix 1 8.12.2 Extensions to properties in the countryside As there is a general p olicy against development in the Island's countryside, it is important that where development exists, either in an historic or recently approved form, it should not, when altered or extended detract from the amenities of the countryside. Care therefore, must be taken to control the size and form of extensions to property in the countryside. In the case of traditional properties, the proportion and form of the building is sensitively balanced and extensions of inappropriate size or proportions will not be ac ceptable where these destroy the existing character of the property. In the case of non -traditional properties, where these are of poor or unsympathetic appearance, extensions which would increase the impact of the property will generally not be acceptable . It may be preferable to consider the redevelopment of non -traditional dwellings or properties of poor form with buildings of a more traditional style and in these cases, the Department may consider an increase in size of the replacement property over and above the size of the building to be replaced, where improvements to the appearance of the property would justify this.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The agricultural building hereby approved shall be removed and the ground restored to its former condition in the event that it is no longer used or required for agricultural purposes.
Condition 3
The occupation of the dwelling hereby approved shall be limited to a person engaged or last engaged solely in agriculture on the Isle of Man, or a widow or widower of such a person, or any resident dependants.
Condition 4
No work shall commence on the construction of the dwelling hereby approved until the existing, vacant farmhouse (that is, not the existing, occupied bungalow) on the site has been demolished in its entirety.
Condition 5
The roof of the dwelling hereby approved shall be of natural slate and shall be constructed as far as is possible using reclaimed slate from the application site.
Condition 6
The porches of the dwelling hereby approved shall be faced in Manx stone unless otherwise agreed in advance with the Department.
Condition 7
The agricultural shed hereby approved shall be erected and be available for use prior to the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved.