89/01784/BApproved
Construction of dormer in roof, How-yn-Gren, Douglas Street, Castletown
14 September 2010 · Committee
Lorne House, Douglas Street, Castletown, Isle Of Man, IM9 1az
This application sought permission to create a new vehicular access and driveway at Lorne House, Bridge Street, Castletown — a large historic house dating to 1826, set within its own grounds including lawns, trees, a tennis court, and a kitchen garden. The Planning Committee refused the application on 14 September 2010. The central concern was that breaking through the existing boundary wall to form a vehicular access onto Bridge Road would damage the character of the Conservation Area. The uninterrupted solid wall along this stretch of quayside, with the tree canopy of Lorne House visible above it, was identified as an intrinsic feature of the area's character. The applicant submitted evidence intended to justify the access, but this was judged inconclusive. It demonstrated no more than the presence of a pedestrian-scale footpath, which remains visible today, and did not establish any historic precedent for vehicular use.
The application was refused because creating a new vehicular access onto Bridge Road would harm the character of the Conservation Area. The quayside at this point is defined by an uninterrupted solid wall with the tree canopy of Lorne House visible above it, a quality recognised as far back as 1971 and protected since the Conservation Area was designated in 1990. The evidence submitted to justify the access was considered inconclusive, showing only the existence of a pedestrian-scale footpath that remains visible today.
Refusal Reasons
Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the area
Environment Policy 35: Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development. 7.30 Development adjacent to Conservation Areas 7.30.1 It is often the case that important views into and out of a Conservation Area can contribute significantly to its character. It is necessary to assess the impact any development adjacent to conservation areas may have on such views.
SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS of Conservation Areas
Planning Policy Statement 1/01- Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment
POLICY CA/2 SPECIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS When considering proposals for the possible development of any land or buildings which fall within the conservation area, the impact of such proposals upon the special character of the area, will be a material consideration when assessing the application. Where a development is proposed for land which, although not within the boundaries of the conservation area, would affect its context or setting, or views into or out of the area; such issues should be given special consideration where the character or appearance of a conservation area may be affected.
Erection of boundary wall to extend existing wall
Demolition of existing garage and erection of a replacement garage block
Erection of section of boundary wall (Retrospective)
Change of use from existing mixed office and residential accommodation into a private dwelling
Erection of stone wall to replace existing boundary fencing adjacent to Smetana Close
Demolition of existing outbuildings and erection of a gatehouse dwelling
Relocation of existing tennis court
Erection of MEA sub station (retrospective)
Erection of two houses with a single shared vehicular access from Bridge Street
Installation of a satellite dish on west elevation
Erection of satellite dish, Lorne House, Castletown
Installation of Cattle Grid, inside entrance to Lorne House, Castletown
Change of use of domestic accommodation to office and domestic, Lorne House West, Castletown
Construction of dormer in roof, How-yn-Gren, Douglas Street, Castletown
Three-storey extension to form dining room and extra bedrooms, Lorne House, Castletown
Alterations and extensions to form new dining room and staircase, Lorne House, Castletown
Erection of additional garage incorporating pitched roof over, How Yngren, Douglas Road, Castletown
Alterations, conversions and extensions to form additional living accommodation, How Yngren, Douglas Street, Castletown