Marshall Cryer Architects Planning Statement

Our ref: 447/14/JMC/R

The Old School House Cronkbourne Braddan Isle of Man IM4 4QH Tel: (01624) 661460 Fax: (01624) 661464 e-mail: [email protected]

The Secretary Planning Committee Department of Local Government and the Environment Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF

17 August 2007

Dear Madam

PA 07/00994 Conversion of Barn at Ballasalla House for Mr and Mrs D Allsebrook

I write in respect of the above and my earlier meeting with Ms Sarah Corlett, Planning Officer, and would now confirm the following matters:

Description: While the application refers to the building as a “Barn” I have been asked by Mr & Mrs Allsebrook to inform you that it is/was a stable and coach house built in the nineteenth century to serve the main house.

Bats: I confirm handing to Ms Corlett a copy of the survey report undertaken by the Manx Bat Group, the conclusion of which is that there were no bats roosting in the barn and that development of the buildings would not be detrimental to the bat population of the area. If and when any development proceeds we will, of course, pay heed to their recommendations.

Foul Drainage: The comments of Dr. P D Styles, Environmental Protection Officer (Water), letter of 15 June 2007, are noted. The DOT Drainage Division have stated a preference for a “small package plant” – see letter 05 January 2007 enclosed - and we will liaise with the various departments at the appropriate time to ensure that all requirements are met.

Ash tree. I enclose photographs dated 20 September 2006 which show the condition of the Ash tree prior to it being felled. It can be seen to be dead or dying and permission was received from DAFF for it to be removed. The tree would not have been affected by the building works had it been sound.

Access. I am unaware of any objections from the Department of Transport as to the proposal. The Barn can be accessed by either one of two roadways. Both meet the main road on the outside of a bend so visibility should not be a concern. Historically there would have been far greater useage when the sewage works at the bottom of the lane was active and required active maintenance

Malew Parish Commissioners: We appreciate the Commissioners have no objection to the conversion of the barn but note that they are concerned that the appearance of the proposed works are out of keeping with the existing house. I have had considerable discussions with both Ms Corlett and Mr Steve Moore, Conservation Officer, with regard to the approach to the design of an extension to the barn, and the design as submitted follows on from both the discussions with them and consideration of alternative design approaches. There are a number of buildings in the Ballasalla area which include both the tower format and castellation, viz Great Meadow, King Williams College, St Mary's in Castletown and elements of Rushen Abbey. In the circumstances therefore I consider the concept of the extension as a "Gothic folly" standing separate from the barn buildings a reasonable design approach. In addition with more recent developments such as Hunters Lodge and Mill Kent there is now a range of house types in the immediate area,

Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside: Their objection appears to be a standard criticism of any development that is not Manx vernacular. In this instance, however, the barn forms part of the curtilage of Ballasalla House and is within the area of Ballasalla Village. As such it is not a development in the countryside and I am advised that the guide lines for such

development do not apply. However, I am curious to know whether they would have objected to Great Meadow in a similar manner.

Neighbouring Owners: I consider most of the concerns raised by the neighbours have been answered above. There are comments on one or two other items, but these are civil matters which are not the concerns of the Planning Committee. On a point of detail however, it is the Old Mill, situated adjacent to Westhall Farm, and known locally as the “Factory” which is of historic interest not the building that is the subject of this application.

I trust the foregoing is of assistance and shows that a reasoned and reasonable approach has been adopted. In the circumstances therefore I would ask that the Committee looks favourably upon the proposals and grants approval to the scheme.

Yours faithfully

PA 07/00994 Conversion of Barn at Ballasalla House for Mr and Mrs D Allsebrook - Marshall Cryer Architects