20 September 2010 · Delegated
Ballamona Barns, Old Castletown Road, Port Soderick, Isle Of Man, IM4 1at
Permission was granted for the conversion of existing stone barns at Ballamona Barns, Old Castletown Road, Port Soderick, Isle of Man, into an estate office with associated facilities. The officer's report noted that the barns are of significant character, which was a relevant consideration in assessing the proposal. No significant trees were identified within the application site. The decision was made on a delegated basis by the Senior Planning Officer and was subject to two conditions. The officer's recommendation was to permit the application, and the formal decision matched that recommendation.
The application was approved by the Senior Planning Officer under delegated authority on 20 September 2010. The officer recommended approval, and the decision aligned with that recommendation. The site contains stone barns described as being of significant character, which formed part of the planning context for the conversion.
Conversion of existing rural buildings into dwellings
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Housing Policy 11: Conversion of existing rural buildings into dwellings may be permitted, but only where: (a) redundancy for the original use can be established; (b) the building is substantially intact and structurally capable of renovation; (c) the building is of architectural, historic, or social interest; (d) the building is large enough to form a satisfactory dwelling, either as it stands or with modest, subordinate extension which does not affect adversely the character or interest of the building; (e) residential use would not be incompatible with adjoining established uses or, where appropriate, land-use zonings on the area plan; and (f) the building is or can be provided with satisfactory services without unreasonable public expenditure. Such conversion must: (a) where practicable and desirable, re -establish the original appearance of the building; and (b) use the same materials as those in the existing building. Permission will not be given for the rebuilding of ruins or the erection of replacement buildings of similar, or even identical, form. Further extension of converted rural buildings will not usually be permitted, since this would lead to loss or reduction of the original interest and character. 8.10.3 Permission will be given in certain circumstances for the re-establishment of residential use where there is an abandoned dwelling, since such dwellings can sometimes have a negative impact, usually arising from the sense of dereliction and dilapidation. See Housing Policy 13 below. 8.11 Replacement Dwellings in the Countryside 8.11.1 There are in our countryside many existing dwellings, some of which contribute positively to its appearance and character, and some of which do not. A number of dwellings have been abandoned for many years; their physical remains being a reflection of agricultural and social change across the Island. They form features in the rural landscape which are often not unacceptable in their present state. It is appropriate to encourage change which would result in overall environment improvement, and to discourage change which would not. Where the building(s) concerned are of architectural merit or of local, historical or social interest demolition and replacement will be discouraged.
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to drawing no.s 916P003, 916P100, 916P300, 916X001, 916X002, 916X003, 916X100 and 916X300 date stamped the 11th March 2010.
