Planning Officer Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:120865}} ## Planning History The application site and the buildings contained within it have been the subject of a number of previous planning applications that could be considered to be of relevance to the assessment of this current planning application: Planning application 88/801 sought approval for extension and alterations to form additional living accommodation. This application was initially considered and approved on the 12th August 1988, with the initial approval decision notice issued on the 22nd September 1988. Planning application 97/1973 sought approval for alterations and extension to dwelling, new garage, new gates and landscaping works. This application was initially considered and refused on the 23rd March 1998, with the initial refusal decision notice issued on the 27th March 1998. This refusal appears to be primarily based on the design of the proposed development. Planning application 98/0110 sought approval for alterations and extension to dwelling including garage, entrance and landscaping works. This application was initially considered and approved on the 2nd June 1998, with the initial approval decision notice issued on the 5th June 1998. ## Representations Marown Parish Commissioners advise that they have no objection to the planning application. The Department of Transport Highways Division advise that they consider there to be no adverse traffic impact subject to a condition restricted the use of the swimming pool to prevent use by the general public. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service made no specific comment on the merits of the proposed development but recommended that the applicant consults them. The applicant’s doctor has written in support of the proposed development. They advise that the applicant has had hip replacements and state that the proposed pool will help maintain their general health and that accommodation for live-in help is likely to be essential in the near future. The Environmental Protection Officer (Water) has advised that the swimming pool may require a licence to discharge. ## Planning Policy The application site is located within an area of ‘white land’ under the 1982 Development Plan Order and, as such, is taken to be a dwelling located in the open countryside. Guidance relating to the renovation of buildings in the countryside is set out by Planning Circular 3/89, Renovation of Buildings in the Countryside. ## Assessment I no major concerns about the principle of converting the outbuilding into additional living accommodation provided the occupation is limited to ancillary to that of the existing dwelling. I am content that live-in care assistance could be classed as ancillary accommodation to the existing dwelling. However, in terms of the specifics of the development proposed by the planning application, Planning Circular 3/89 states that extensions of modest and appropriate scale may be permitted for the provision of essential facilities is shown to be impracticable within the existing building and of the building byelaws. Looking purely at the living accommodation element of the proposal I am of the opinion that the proposed single storey extension, which forms a sitting room, is not essential and that the existing size of the building is sufficient to create a living accommodation. Turning to the proposed swimming pool extension I would suggest that this element is clearly contrary to provisions of Planning Circular 3/89, particularly with regard to the extension of buildings. Whilst I accept that there may be potential health benefits for the applicant by having a swimming pool it has to be remembered that the legacy of a building will invariably outlast an applicant. I do not consider the personal circumstances to be sufficient to set aside the well established policy. The applicant's agent was advised of these concerns prior to the submission of the planning application. Accordingly, I consider the proposed development to be unacceptable and recommend that the planning application be refused. ### Party Status I consider that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status: - Marown Parish Commissioners; - The Department of Transport Highways Division; - The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service; and - The Environmental Protection Officer (Water). ### Recommendation Recommended Decision: Refused Date of Recommendation: 02.03.2006

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal O : Notes attached to refusals

R 1.

The development proposed by the planning application is unacceptable by reason that it is contrary to the provisions of Planning Circular 3/89 – Renovation of Buildings in the Countryside. Specifically, the proposed development contravenes paragraph 4 of the planning circular which states that “extension of modest and appropriate scale may be permitted for the provision of essential facilities if shown to be impracticable within the existing building and a requirement of the Building Byelaws. Such an extension would have to be of design and materials to match the existing building. No subsequent extension would be permitted.”

I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular Nos 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control) and 47/05 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer)

Decision Made : Refused Date : 10/5/06

Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control