Loading document...
The site represents the curtilage of the existing vacant church hall located on the main road in Glen Maye. The property is essentially an end-terrace building abutting the kerb at the front and having no corresponding external space. The building at present is single-storey with an approximate floor space of 70sq.m.
The site is located within an area identified as being Predominantly Residential by the 1982 Development Order. The site is not within a conservation area.
Whilst there have been previously submitted planning applications relating to this property, none are considered to be specifically relevant to this proposal.
The Department of Transport Highways Division does not object to this proposal. Patrick Commissioners have not commented on this application. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service attach a note relating to installation of smoke detectors. The Isle of Man Water Authority attaches a note.
The Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and Environment indicates some concerns relating to parking and the lack of amenity space of the site.
We have received no privately written representations in relation to this planning application.
Proposed here is the conversion of the existing single-storey church hall to form a two-storey dwelling. This would include a variety of alterations and additions to the existing building. The fenestration on the front elevation would be altered with the central window forming the entrance and the existing door being changed to a window opening. A total of four roof lights two to each side would be installed. Internally the space would be divided to form living accommodation with an internal staircase giving access to two bedrooms.
The existing building is of modest proportions forming part of a row of traditional properties. At present the hall is not used and has deteriorated in appearance. The change from a communal hall to a residential dwelling necessitates a need to assess whether the existing building can be converted to form a dwelling that provides an acceptable level of amenity.
There is no parking provision at present and a site visit ascertained that there is no scope for providing on site parking. However it is not considered that the absence of allocated parking is sufficient to warrant refusal for what would be a small dwelling in a central location and the Department of Transport Highways Division have indicated no objection to this proposal.
Visually the change to a residential use is likely to bring improvements in the overall condition of the building and the proposed changes are considered to be acceptable and in-keeping with the existing building.
The main area of concern relates to the lack of outside amenity space including refuse storage and outdoor clothes drying space. The site has no side or rear access and as such bins would have to be stored either inside the property or on the pavement at the front which would not be acceptable. I spoke with the applicant who stated that it may be possible to gain access to the side however this would depend on gaining the permission of their neighbour. However the applicant stated that this would only be looked into if permission were granted as they will only buy the building once permission has been secured. It is considered that the current lack of suitable outdoor amenity space is unacceptable as it would result in a poor level of amenity for a residential dwelling. Although it may be possible to overcome this issue, the application as submitted does not indicate an acceptable level of amenity.
It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded interested party status:
The Department of Transport Highways Division Patrick Commissioners
Accordingly the following parties are not granted Interested Party Status:
The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service The Isle of Man Water Authority The Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and Environment
Recommended Decision: Refused Date of Recommendation: 19.11.2007
C: Conditions for approval N: Notes attached to conditions R: Reasons for refusal O: Notes attached to refusals
R 1. The submitted plans indicate no provision for outdoor amenity space and as such it is not considered that this proposal would provide an acceptable level of amenity required for a dwelling.
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: 21.11.2007
Signed: [Handwritten signature] M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control
Copyright in submitted documents remains with their authors. Request removal
