The present application is to reinstate the building as flats following a serious fire earlier in the year.
Severe damage was sustained to the building as a whole but primarily to the roof, which has been completely lost. The Fire was contained mainly to No 19 but some damage was also sustained to the neighbouring property No 21 mainly to the rear outlet roof.
The building is not registered but is contained within the 'Douglas - Woodbourne Road' Conservation Area.
The building is at present scaffolded and the structure contained but further damage is being suffered due to being open to the elements, and currently presents a sorry spectacle it is therefore a matter of the utmost urgency to proceed with reinstatement works.
The building formerly housed 7 flats in what could be described as low-grade accommodation although meeting the minimum standards. The opportunity is therefore being taken to improve the general accommodation, whilst retaining all the previous main features of the building which forms the end of an attractive terrace.
The damaged interior structure ie floors walls and staircase are to be replaced entirely and therefore the restrictions of the former plan are no longer a limiting factor. It has been decided to reduce the overall number of flats from 7 to 6 flats, losing one of two flats which were contained in the rear outlet, and forming a 2 level flat or duplex to the rear thus providing a much larger and more attractive facility. Elsewhere the former general layout has been followed.
In rebuilding the roofs the opportunity has also been taken to reinstate the traditional front Dormer and introduce better natural lighting to flat No 6 by the addition of rooflights. The rear outlet roof has been replaced with a terrace accessible from flat 6 , converting what is traditionally the most restricted flat to one offering an additional walk out feature affording distant sea views.
A small extension is also included to the rear of ground floor flat I to provide a shower room and thereby enhance the size and facility of that flat.
Also at ground floor level note has been taken of the general unsatisfactory appearance of refuse bins, the area is predominantly flat accommodation and therefore produces large numbers of bins. The present proposals are to take down the rear yard wall and allow refuse collection via the rear lane, Douglas Corporation have confirmed this as a satisfactory arrangement and in fact a similar arrangement already exists to neighbouring properties. The improved access to the rear yard will also afford a drying area. In improving the general appearance to Demesne Road the opportunity is also being taken to re-site the MEA and Gas meter boxes from the front apron to the gable behind the side wall and gate, thereby clearing the front area of the usual "clutter" of flats.
The application also includes the replacement of windows, generally PVC-u in line with most properties in the terrace. The front to retain the opening pattern ie sliding sashes, and the rear of a similar appearance but top hung casements.
Proposed Refurbishment of 19 Demesne Road for Modena Properties Ltd.
1479.04
A street-level photograph showing a row of white terraced buildings, with scaffolding visible on one roof indicating renovation work.
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Source & Provenance
Official reference
09/01159/B
Source authority
Isle of Man Government Planning & Building Control
