Planning Supporting Statement
Supporting information as referred to in Section 20 of the "Application for Planning Approval" Form.
Explanation of the proposals and what we are trying to achieve
The proposed extension to Ballawill is intended to provide a simple family home that makes the best of its stunning location and views.
During consultation as part of the pre-planning application stage, Mr Chris Balmer advised in areas of policy. We found the process most helpful and his advice constructive in our considerations with regard to the design of a sympathetic and yet attractive alteration to the existing property.
The main principle of the extension is to make it look like a separate barn that is in close proximity to the existing cottage. This is not unusual of cottages in the manx countryside.
The link between the main extension and the existing cottage is set back with a lower roofline to help promote the effect of two buildings. This also helps to protect the look and character of the original cottage which is dominant in the front elevation of the property.
The proposal includes the removal of the existing uninspiring extension 'lean-to' kitchen.
The reason behind extending on the western side of the cottage where the existing extension sits is primarily to take advantage of the wonderful views of the valley and Snaefell and to give an element of shelter to the main entrance to the property. Another reason for this is that the presence of the extension is shielded when approaching the property from the main vehicular access route on the south east side of the existing cottage, thus promoting the existing cottage. When the property is viewed from the west, the existing cottage is screened by the extension giving the appearance of a single agricultural-style building.
The dimensions and proportions of the main part of the extension are based on the footprint of the existing property minus the old kitchen extension.
The existing property is of very minimal proportions and does not function well as a family living space. It has little in the way of amenities for a modern way of life. The property currently offers only one reasonable sized bedroom and a second room which accommodates both a chimney breast and the stairwell with not enough floor space even for a single bed.
We are proposing a three bed roomed property. This accommodates our personal needs and we have designed it with only our family use in mind. We do feel that the proposal is well balanced and warrants worthy consideration in a basic sense of modern living as a working family home which is both practical and functional.
In order to minimise the impact of the extension, it has been designed faced with stonework in order that it blends with the surrounding landscape. Blending it also into the hillside alongside the existing ruins of stone agricultural buildings to the western (Snaefell) side of the property. These ruined stone buildings are to be retained as part of a historical feature to the surrounding garden.
The style and finish of the windows have been designed again to replicate that of a barn.
A degree of landscaping and planting is to be undertaken to both the southern and western boundaries in order to soften the lines of the building and to offer further shelter from the elements that such an elevated property is exposed to.
The substantial long term investment into a property and extension of this nature is on the ethos of family rather than financial benefit.
We would welcome a site visit by the planner at any time in order to clarify any points of this statement or our application as a whole.
Christopher & Felicity Blockley Ballawill Agneash IM4 7NS
