11 March 2015 · Committee
Barns, Ballaragh Old Farmhouse, 107 Ballaragh To Bulgham, Ballaragh, Laxey, Isle Of Man, IM4 7pn
Permission was granted to convert existing outbuildings at Ballaragh Old Farmhouse, Laxey, into a dwelling, along with improvements to the existing vehicular access. The outbuildings are of Manx stone construction in an L-shaped arrangement, with timber windows in poor repair and a slate roof in reasonable condition. The application was amended during the process, with design changes and alterations to the access lane agreed following discussion between the Department and the agent. The key planning issues considered were highway safety and the living conditions the proposed dwelling would offer. The Department of Infrastructure's Committee approved the application on 11 March 2015, with four conditions attached.
The Department of Infrastructure approved the application on 11 March 2015. The officer recommended approval, and the Committee agreed. Key planning considerations included highway safety and the living conditions the conversion would provide. The design was amended during the process following discussion between the Department and the agent, including changes to the access lane.
Housing Policy 11
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 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 approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no extension, enlargement or other alteration of the dwelling(s) hereby approved, other than that expressly authorised by this approval, shall be carried out, without the prior written approval of the Department.
Condition 3
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2012 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no garages or other free standing buildings shall be erected within the curtilage of the dwelling(s) hereby approved, other than that expressly authorised by this approval, without the prior written approval of the Department.
Condition 4
Prior to the commencement of any works to the barn, the approved access and entrance alterations as approved under drawing 14 1050 5 are required to be completed as shown.
