15 August 2008 · Committee
The Grange, Ramsey Road, Knocksharry, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 2af
The proposal is for the refurbishment and extension of a stone barn to provide guest accommodation, along with alterations to a tractor shed and the central yard, including landscaping and a planting scheme. The site includes an existing dwelling, a small stone outbuilding and a farm shed, and the building is described as being of simple form constructed from Manx stone. The officer report notes that the proposed extension would bring the distance to approximately 1 metre. The formal decision was to approve the application, resulting in permission being granted.
The planning committee approved the application. The decision statement records that the application was approved, with the officer report recommending approval. The evidence provided also describes the existing site elements and the character of the barn as Manx stone, along with the extension’s proximity to about 1 metre. The formal decision record lists 7 conditions.
Conversion of existing rural buildings into dwellings
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007
Housing Policy 11: Conversion of existing rural buildings into dwellings may be permitted, but only where: (a) redundancy for the original use can be established; (b) the building is substantially intact and structurally capable of renovation; (c) the building is of architectural, historic, or social interest; (d) the building is large enough to form a satisfactory dwelling, either as it stands or with modest, subordinate extension which does not affect adversely the character or interest of the building; (e) residential use would not be incompatible with adjoining established uses or, where appropriate, land-use zonings on the area plan; and (f) the building is or can be provided with satisfactory services without unreasonable public expenditure. Such conversion must: (a) where practicable and desirable, re -establish the original appearance of the building; and (b) use the same materials as those in the existing building. Permission will not be given for the rebuilding of ruins or the erection of replacement buildings of similar, or even identical, form. Further extension of converted rural buildings will not usually be permitted, since this would lead to loss or reduction of the original interest and character. 8.10.3 Permission will be given in certain circumstances for the re-establishment of residential use where there is an abandoned dwelling, since such dwellings can sometimes have a negative impact, usually arising from the sense of dereliction and dilapidation. See Housing Policy 13 below. 8.11 Replacement Dwellings in the Countryside 8.11.1 There are in our countryside many existing dwellings, some of which contribute positively to its appearance and character, and some of which do not. A number of dwellings have been abandoned for many years; their physical remains being a reflection of agricultural and social change across the Island. They form features in the rural landscape which are often not unacceptable in their present state. It is appropriate to encourage change which would result in overall environment improvement, and to discourage change which would not. Where the building(s) concerned are of architectural merit or of local, historical or social interest demolition and replacement will be discouraged.
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the conversion and extension of a stone barn to form ancillary accommodation, the alteration and refurbishment of an agricultural shed and the alterations to the central yard and landscaping at Knocksharry Farm, Ramsey Road, German as shown by the plans and information SC1069/P/10-00, SC1069/P/10-01, SC1069/P/10-02, SC1069/P/10-03 and SC1069/P/10-04 submitted and date stamped 14th April 2008 and Structural Survey submitted and date stamped 9th May 2008 and Letter from agent and Deeds Plan submitted and date marked 31st July 2008.
Condition 3
The converted barn shall remain ancillary to the use and enjoyment of Knocksharry Farm. For the avoidance of doubt, no approval is given for the use of the barn as a separate residential dwelling.
Condition 4
The shed may be used only for agricultural purposes.
Condition 5
The converted stone barn must be served by the new vehicular access approved under PA07/00516/B.
Condition 6
The roof of the converted stone barn and the agricultural shed must be finished in dark natural slate.
Condition 7
The rooflights to be installed to the rear of the converted stone barn must be "Conservation type".
