3 May 2006 · Delegated
The Old Rectory, The Cronk, Ballaugh, Isle Of Man, IM7 5ax
This application sought permission to convert and extend an outbuilding at The Old Rectory, The Cronk, Ballaugh, Isle of Man, to form a dwelling. The application was refused. The refusal centred on the design of the proposed conversion. Decision-makers found that the scheme failed to respect the proportion, form, and external appearance of the existing vernacular building, which was considered harmful to the character of both the building and its surroundings. The officer also recommended refusal on the same grounds. The decision notice records that the refusal was confirmed on the narrow issue of the particulars of the proposed design.
The application was refused because the proposed design for converting the outbuilding to a dwelling failed to respect the proportion, form, and external appearance of the original vernacular building. This was considered detrimental to the character and appearance of the building and its surroundings, contrary to guidance on the renovation of countryside buildings.
Refusal Reasons
Planning Circular 3/89 – Renovation of Buildings in the Countryside
Renovation of Buildings in the Countryside
General Policy 3
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Modified Draft) 2004
General Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); (c) previously developed land (1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage. 6.4 Planning Agreements 6.4.1 Where development is acceptable and in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the relevant Area Plan, but raises issues which cannot be addressed by the imposition of planning conditions, the Department will seek to conclude an Agreement with the developer under Section 13 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act.
Housing Policy 15
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Modified Draft) 2004
Housing Policy 15: The extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside will normally only be approved where these respect the proportion, form and appearance of the existing property. Only exceptionally will permission be granted for extensions which measure more than 50% of the existing building in terms of floor space (measured externally).
