Planning Officer Site Visit Report 13 Apr 2004

Department of Local Government and the Environment

Rheynn Reiltys Ynnydagh as y Chymmyltaght

Isle of Man

Government

Reiltys Ellen Yennie

Planning and Building Control Directorate, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2SF. Tel: (01624) 685905 Fax: (01624) 686443 email - [email protected] Director of Planning and Building Control M.I. McCauley, M.R.T.P.I.

Please reply to Miss Diane Robinson, BSc (Hons), MTPL, MRTPI Our Ref: DR/04/144 13th April 2004

Mr J.A. Callow Partington, Nixon and Kinrade 7-9 Drinkwater Street Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AT

Dear Mr Callow,

Re: PA 04/144 Approval in principle for the renovation of an existing pair of cottages to form a single dwelling, Broughjairg, Station Road, Ballaugh

Further to my letter dated 29th March 2004, I would like to advise that I visited the site on 7th April 2004.

Having considered the plans and inspected the building, I am not persuaded that the proposal would comply with Planning Circular 3/89 'Renovation of buildings in the countryside.' I would, however, like to give you the opportunity to provide additional information, which may help the Planning Committee determine your application.

Firstly, you describe the building as a 'pair of cottages' however it appears to me that whilst the building may have been used originally as two dwellings, this use seems to have been abandoned a long time ago. The opening in one end of the building is also evidence that at least one of the 'cottages' has been used for equipment/vehicle storage.

Given that the building has, in my opinion, lost its residential status it is judged that your client really seeks to reinstate the residential use of the building to a single dwelling unit. From a planning point of view the proposal must therefore be judged against the provisions of Circular 3/89.

I have noted the general appearance of the building on site. Also the level of the ground, which is banked up against the rear and side elevations, the general condition of the roof, and the condition of the stonework and mortar.

Whilst drawing number 3922/1 (rev a) indicates the proposed alterations that would be required, without a more detailed survey being carried out, I am not persuaded that the building is structurally capable of renovation as required by Planning Circular 3/89.

It would be helpful if you could also explain if the proposed dwelling is to be used in association with the main house or rather sold off as a separate dwelling. There is no formal driveway to the building and thus I ask that you clarify how the dwelling is to be accessed and provide the outline of any proposed residential curtilage if the site is to be separated from the main house.

I would be grateful if you could let me know if you would like to provide additional details or alternatively would like the Planning Committee to determine the application in its current form.

Yours sincerely,

Diane Robinson Planning Officer

c.c. Mrs J. Llewellyn, Brough Jairg, Ballaugh