20 November 2007 · Committee
Harvest Barn, Ballagyr Lane, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 2ad
The application concerned a two-storey stone former barn with a lean-to single-storey annex, sitting on the north-western corner of a field off Ballagyr Lane — a narrow rural lane connecting the A4 coastal highway with the Switchback road. The site lies within an Area of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance, and the building had previously been permitted only for limited tourist accommodation use. The key planning tension was whether converting this countryside building to full residential use was justified under policies that restrict new dwellings outside defined settlements. The officer's assessment noted that the building is a single structure with no established residential status, and that comparisons with nearby farm complexes were not directly relevant given their different circumstances. The Planning Committee, agreeing with the officer's recommendation, approved the change of use subject to four conditions, including one removing permitted development rights to control future extensions and ancillary structures.
The Planning Committee approved the application, finding the proposal acceptable in the context of policies encouraging the re-use of redundant and under-used buildings. The existing hard-surfaced area on site was confirmed as capable of accommodating two car parking spaces with turning space. Four conditions were attached, including a restriction on future permitted development to limit further change to the site.
Development should make the best use of resources by: a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under-used land and buildings and re-using scarce, indigenous building materials
New development will be located within the defined settlements. Development will only be permitted in the countryside in accordance with General Policy 3
Condition 1
The use must be taken up within four years of the date of this notice in order for this approval to remain valid after that time.
Condition 2
This permission relates to the change of use of the existing tourist accommodation to permanent residential accommodation, as shown in drawings 2399/1 and 2592/1B both received on 20th September, 2007.
Condition 3
Notwithstanding condition 3 above, no approval is granted for the use of the entire field as defined as the site in the submitted drawings, for residential purposes. Prior to the occupation of the building as a permanent residence the applicant must have approved by the planning authority the details of how the residential curtilage is to be defined: this should generally be no further south into the field than 20m from the Lane and no further along the frontage than is the existing hard surfaced area and the curtilage should be delineated by a Manx sod hedge in accordance with Planning Circular 1/92. This must form the subject of a new planning application as this application for change of use does not include any building or engineering operations.
Condition 4
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2005 (or any Order revoking or re-enacting that Order) no extensions, greenhouses, walls, gates, fences, garden sheds, summerhouses, flag poles, decking, garages, or tanks for the storage of oil for domestic heating shall be erected (other than those expressly authorised by this approval.)
