1 March 2024 · Delegated
Land North Of Fo Chronk, Station Road, St Johns, Isle Of Man, IM4 3ah
This application sought permission to demolish an existing detached garage on a long, narrow plot of land (approximately 40m by 12m) alongside Fo Chronk, Station Road, St Johns, and replace it with a two-bedroom dwelling. The proposal included associated hard and soft landscaping, and surface and foul drainage works. The application was submitted as an amended drawings application, relating back to a previously approved scheme (reference 20/00729/B). During the course of the application, a number of design changes were made, including replacing zinc cladding with natural slate on the roof, switching composite cladding on the west gable to natural grey stone, changing the west gable to a hipped roof arrangement, and adding features such as wood burner flues, rooflights, an air source heat pump, and photovoltaic panels. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 1 March 2024, with four conditions attached. The case officer had also recommended approval.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 1 March 2024. The proposal was permitted subject to four conditions, with the officer also recommending approval. No refusal reasons were raised.
make best use previously developed land, efficient use of underused land and buildings, reuse scarce indigenous building materials, located to best use existing infrastructure and taking into account amenity
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
development located within existing towns and villages
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10
Strategic Policy 2: New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions(2) of these towns and villages. Development will be permitted in the countryside only in the exceptional circumstances identified in paragraph 6.3. (1) Open Space is defined in Appendix 1. (2) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 4.3.2 Appendix 3 to the Plan identifies the towns and villages, and also explains why the Department has rejected the idea of a new settlement, which was mooted in the Consultation Draft published in May 2000. 4.3.3 Each of our towns and villages has an ind ividual character arising not only from its geographical position and existing fabric, but also from its historical, cultural, and social background. This character should be protected and enhanced. Accordingly:
designed to make a positive contribution
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10
Strategic Policy 5: New development, including individual buildings, should be designed so as to make a positive contribution to the environment of the Island. In appropriate cases the Department will require planning applications to be supported by a Design Statement which will be required to take account of the Strategic Aim and Policies. 4.4 Economy 4.4.1 The Spatial Strategy identifies the Major Employment Areas around the Island. While the majority of business and employment is focused around the Douglas Metropolitan Area, there are other major employment areas at Castletown, the Airport/Freeport, Peel, Ramsey and Jurby. The Department considers the distribution of employment areas provides a spread of employment opportunities around the Island. While recognising the opportunities for small scale local employment within existing centres it is considered new employment should, in the main, be concentrated within existing settlements or those major employment areas referred to in the Island Spatial Strategy and illustrated on the Key Diagram. Existing Local and new Area Plans will provide detailed boundar ies for these areas. From time to time Government may judge it appropriate to offer financial incentives to encourage economic activity or investment in particular parts of the Island.
promote integrated transport network
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10
Strategic Policy 10: New development should be located and designed such as to promote a more integrated transport network with the aim to: (a) minimise journeys, especially by private car; (b) make best use of public transport; (c) not adversely affect highway safety for all users, and (d) encourage pedestrian movement (1) Business Park is defined in Appendix 1 4.6 Social 4.6.1 The provision of an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the wider community is essential; this is in addition to the need to replace existing substandard or poor quality dwellings. Therefore;
general standards towards acceptable development visual and amenity impact along with highway safety and provision of services
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10, General Policy 2 and Environment Policy 22
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
impact from smoke smells and fumes on neighbours
the application complies with Strategic Policies 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10, General Policy 2 and Environment Policy 22
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
development within a conservation area
would not be at odds with Residential Design Guidance or Environment Policy 35 or 42
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.
designed to take account of the particular character and identity of the immediate locality
would not be at odds with Residential Design Guidance or Environment Policy 35 or 42
pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''
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 Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) specification brochure details provided as part of the application, any installation of an ASHP in the position as shown on the submitted plans must not result in a noise that exceeds 42 dB LAeq 5 mins.
Condition 3
Prior to the occupation of the new dwelling the proposed bathroom window to the first floor east elevation of the ensuite; shall be glazed with obscure glass to Pilkington Level 5 or equivalent and permanently retained as such thereafter.
Condition 4
Prior to the occupation of any part of the dwelling details and sample information for the slates, stone and timber cladding to be used on the external facing roof and elevations, and including the stone boundary wall along Station Road, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The development shall be carried out in full accordance with the details approved details and within 12 months of first occupation.