12 November 2013 · Committee
Field 432608, Douglas Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3ad
The application sought to amend a previously approved reserved matters scheme (PA 13/00215) for an agricultural worker's bungalow at Glashen Farm, a holding farmed alongside Strandhall and Middle Farms. The site is a small plot of approximately 60m by 20m, accessed from the farm lane off the Castletown Road (A5), and sits opposite another already-approved dwelling on the same farm. The sole change from the earlier approval was the addition of a single-storey conservatory on the elevation closest to the highway. The dwelling itself — single storey with a pitched slated roof, rendered walls, and vertically detailed windows — was assessed as complying with the conditions of the approval in principle and with Planning Circular 3/91 design requirements for agricultural dwellings. The conservatory was judged a modest and minor addition, with the boundary hedge providing some screening from the road. The Planning Committee, which determined the application due to the planning history, agreed with the officer's recommendation and granted permission.
The dwelling matched the design and siting requirements already established under the approval in principle and complied with Housing Policies HP9 and HP10 and Planning Circular 3/91. The conservatory was considered a minor addition that did not materially alter the approved scheme, and the boundary hedge offered screening from the highway. On that basis the application was judged acceptable and permitted.
Where permission is granted for an agricultural dwelling, the dwelling must be sited such that: a) it is within or immediately adjoining the main group of farm buildings or a group of farm buildings associated with that farm, b) it is well set back from any public highway, and c) it is approached via the existing farm access
Housing Policy 9: Where permission is granted for an agricultural dwelling, the dwelling must be sited such that; (a) it is within or immediately adjoining the main group of farm buildings or a group of farm buildings associated with that farm, (b) it is well set back from any public highway, and (c) it is approached via the existing farm access. 8.9.6 The design of the building should also have regard to the various landscape policies, such as to preserve the character of the local landscape.
Where permission is granted for an agricultural dwelling, the dwelling should normally be designed in accordance with policies 1-7 of present Planning Circular 3/91
Housing Policy 10: Where permission is granted for an agricultural dwelling, the dwelling should normally be designed in accordance with policies 1 - 7 of present Planning Circular 3/91 which will be revised and issued as a Planning Policy Statement. 8.10 Conversion of Rural Buildings to Dwellings 8.10.1 Throughout the countryside, there are examples of buildings which are no longer suitable or needed for their originally intended use, but which are of sufficient quality or interest to warrant retention and re-use. 8.10.2 Conversion of such buildings into dwellings can make a useful contribution to the housing stock, ensure retention of our built heritage, and improve the appearance of what might otherwise become derelict fabric. The following policy is therefore appropriate:
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in full accordance with the following plans T/398/6, T/398/5 B and T/399/1 B received on 11th September 2013.
Condition 2
The dwelling may be occupied only by a person or persons engaged or last engaged solely in agriculture; or a widow or widower of such a person, or any resident dependants.
