Approval in principle to renovate existing pair of cottages to form single dwelling

Why Was This Approved?

• ✓Approval in principle to convert a derelict pair of cottages into one dwelling
• ✓Questions raised about whether the cottages had lost their residential status
• ✓Structural condition of the building was a noted concern
• ✓Amended plan required to show wall rebuilding works
• ✓Application considered by the Planning Committee on written evidence
• ✓access
• ✓The information submitted is not persuasive enough to allow one to judge that these cottages have not lost their residential status.
• ✓no justification for this development given the approval for other farm worker's dwellings in the area
• ✓More information is required to be able to establish that the building is structurally capable of renovation.
• ✓only one farm worker's dwelling has been permitted and as no agricultural case has been made the development should be considered on the basis of Circular 3/89 only
• ✓The accommodation should be used as ancillary accommodation only given the proposed access and lack of defined curtilages in the application.

This application sought approval in principle to renovate an existing pair of cottages adjacent to Broughjairg Farm, Ballaugh, and convert them into a single dwelling. The site was described as overgrown, with earth banked against the walls, part of the building open and used as a garage or store, and the roof showing signs of failure along its length. The officer report raised several concerns, including whether the cottages had genuinely retained their residential status, whether there was sufficient agricultural justification for the development, and whether the building was structurally capable of being renovated. An amended plan was required as part of the approval, showing walls that would need to be rebuilt. The Planning Committee permitted the application, with two conditions attached. The decision was issued by the Department of Local Government and the Environment.

The Planning Committee permitted the application in principle to renovate the pair of cottages into a single dwelling. The decision was made despite officer concerns about whether the cottages had retained their residential status, whether an agricultural justification had been made, and whether the building was structurally capable of renovation. An amended plan was required showing parts of the walls that would need to be rebuilt.

Policies Assessed (1)

Conditions (2)

1. 1

   Condition 1

   This approval is in principle only and will remain valid for a period of two years within which time no development may take place until such time as details of the reserved matters (siting, design, external appearance, internal layout, means of access, landscaping) have been approved by the Planning Authority. Such reserved matters should form the subject of a single application.

2. 2

   Condition 2

   This approval relates to drawing numbers $3922 / 1$ rev a, $3922 / 2$ and $3922 / 4$ rev a, and allows for the conversion of the building to living accomodation. This accommodation must be used only for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the dwelling known as 'Brough Jairg' and must not be used as a separate residential unit.

Documents (67)