Kerrowkeil Planning Statement

Kerrowkeil

Planning Statement

My wife and I are seeking planning approval to build a two bedroom house on land adjacent to the present home. Whilst putting together this application we have sought the advice of the Planning Department, the Department of Transport and the Forestry Division. We have also kept our neighbours advised and have taken into account their feelings whilst drawing up the plans.

Design

The basic principles we have applied to the design are to ensure it is in keeping with the Manx countryside without being intrusive and at the same time providing spacious and comfortable accommodation whilst fitting comfortably on the plot of land.

The front profile is in the form of a traditional Manx Cottage. The ground level will be lowered to bring the roof line down to as close as possible to the line of the existing building at Kerrowkeil.

There will be no windows overlooking adjacent properties and the end gable of the living room will be angled away from the lane to provide privacy to our immediate neighbours.

Landscaping

Immediately in front of the proposed building is an ash tree which, because of its height and proximity, will need to be removed should planning permission be given. We have discussed this with Dougie Allen at the Forestry Department who has advised us that subject to us receiving planning permission we will be licensed to remove the tree. However if we do not receive planning permission the tree will stay.

In anticipation of the possible removal of the ash tree we have planted an oak, a red flowering horse chestnut and seven silver birch trees.

Access

Following a site visit by Mrs Georgeson from the DOT we were provided with their requirements for vehicular access to the site. We have demonstrated on the plans that all these can be met.

Drainage

The addition of a new building to the plot will require the abandonment of the existing septic tank, and its making safe, and the installation of a new bio digester of sufficient volume to accommodate the existing and the proposed development.

We also intend to install substantial underground rainwater storage for irrigation.

Environmental

Subject to obtaining planning approval and proceeding to construction it is our intention to make the house as passive and energy neutral as possible. To achieve this we are researching the following technologies:-

Timber frame construction with as much insulation as is required. Internal heat recovery. Ground source heat pump. Photovoltaic Solar Tiles.